It is not for nothing that the Leyland cypress (Cuprocyparis Leylandii) is enjoying increasing popularity as a hedge plant in the garden. The “bastard cypress” looks very decorative thanks to its fresh colors, which can be light green, green or reddish depending on the variety. Tips for planting a Leyland cypress hedge.
How do I properly plant and care for a Leyland cypress hedge?
Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with loose, slightly acidic soil and plant the Leyland cypresses in August or September at a distance of 30-50 cm. Fertilize the hedge in spring and summer, water regularly and trim twice a year to promote dense growth.
That's why the Leyland cypress is so suitable as a hedge
- Fast-growing
- conditionally hardy
- easy care
- decorative
Few trees grow as quickly as Leyland cypresses. They grow between 50 and 100 centimeters in height and width per year.
The right location
A Leyland cypress hedge thrives best in a sunny location. But it also grows well in partially shaded places.
The soil must be slightly acidic and nice and loose. If the soil is heavy, you should definitely install drainage, as waterlogging is not tolerated at all.
The location should be somewhat protected. In unprotected locations there is a risk that the plants will suffer frost damage at very low temperatures below zero.
Planting a Leyland cypress hedge
- Dig a trench
- improve with garden soil and conifer fertilizer
- Don’t plant plants too deep
- Fill up soil
- come carefully
- water well
The ideal planting time is in August or September. Dig a trench that is approximately 50 centimeters wide. The depth should be approximately twice the root ball. The trees must not be planted any deeper than they were in the pot.
If you want the hedge to become very dense very quickly, plant three plants per linear meter of hedge. If you're not in a hurry, two plants per meter are enough. The ideal planting distance is 30 to 50 centimeters.
Care for the Leyland cypress hedge properly
Since Leyland cypresses grow very quickly, they need plenty of nutrients. Fertilize the hedge in spring with special hedge fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon) for conifers. A second fertilization in summer with horn shavings is recommended. When using slow-release fertilizer, one application in spring is sufficient.
Leyland cypresses do not tolerate drought. Regular watering is therefore urgently needed – even in winter! However, avoid waterlogging so that no root rot can develop.
Especially in dry winters, you need to supply the Leyland cypress hedge with water regularly. But only water on frost-free days.
Cutting the Leyland cypress hedge
So that the Leyland cypress hedge quickly becomes dense, you have to cut it twice a year.
The first cut is done in spring shortly before or during new growth. The second pruning is carried out at the end of August or September.
As long as the hedge has not yet reached the desired height, shorten the top by a third or half of the annual growth. This stimulates growth and the hedge becomes dense more quickly.
Tip
In contrast to arborvitae such as Thuja, the Leyland cypress does not go bald in the middle as quickly. This means the hedge stays nice and dense for many years.
