Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest Wilma' - Lemon Scented Conifer

Add vibrant winter colour and structure with this evergreen's bright spring-green foliage. Hardy in most of the UK down to -10°C.

This little conifer can grow indoors or outdoors in Britain, but either way make sure it isn't dealing with the extremes! It is not native to Britain, so will need well-drained soil to shelter it from our soggy winters, as well as shelter from icy, drying winds, if planted outdoors. Indoors, make sure it's not too close to a radiator which would also dry it out far too quickly, and remember that it is adapted to cooler winter temperatures, so will prefer to be in a colder part of the house at this time of year. Over a decade, it can reach up to 5m high, so even if you start growing it indoors, it will prefer to move outdoors once established. Wherever you're keeping it, enjoy this plant's fresh, spring-green foliage. Whether it is winter colour and structure outdoors or a miniature Christmas tree indoors, bring this conifer to your home to spruce up your winter displays. When foliage is crushed or cut, it produces a lemony scent.

Scientific Name
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest Wilma' (large- fruited cypress, cultivar: goldcrest Wilma)

This species is listed as a synonym of Hesperocyparis macrocarpa in the WFO's plant database.

Common Name
Monterey Cypress, Lemon-Scented Conifer

Origin
This cultivar was bred in Holland, and has its origins in garden cultivation.

Pruning Tips
Pruning is not required but if you want to maintain its shape in a hedge or to control its height and spread, you can do this in late spring.

Wildlife Value
Cypress trees can provide good nesting and roosting spots for birds in your hedgerow, as well as feeding aphids which contribute to the food chain.

Positioning
Keep this plant in full sun, sheltered from cooling or drying winds.

Water
Once established, this plant is tolerant of dry conditions. Make sure it gets plenty to drink when it's first planted out; if this is in winter, it is unlikely to need any extra, but it may need regular watering if you're planting it in summer or if you're keeping it in a container.

Soil
Soil should be well-drained, but this conifer can grow in any type or pH of soil.

Food
Apply a standard slow-release fertiliser in Spring to provide your confer with nutrients; this is especially important when growing as a pot plant.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to dogs and can be harmful to cats if eaten in large quantities.

Sprouts Top Tips
This plant is suitable for container growing, so can be grown indoors if you wish! It will need similar care to outdoors, making sure that it doesn't dry out when it is a young plant, and it will probably do best in an unheated but well-lit porch or conservatory. It would also cope well growing outdoors in summer but indoors, somewhere unheated, in winter, which would help shelter it from the worst of the weather.