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× Cuprocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan Gold'
25L pot • Cone on stem • Supplied approximately 230cm tall
Plant Highlights: Bright golden evergreen foliage • Elegant cone topiary on a clear stem • Strong architectural form • Year-round colour and structure • Excellent for formal planting
'Castlewellan Gold' is a striking golden form of Leyland cypress, prized for its bright golden-yellow foliage that retains its colour throughout the year. Carefully trained into a neat cone on a clear stem, this specimen provides an instant focal point, combining vibrant evergreen colour with a refined architectural shape.
Its dense branching and naturally vigorous growth respond exceptionally well to clipping, allowing the cone to remain crisp and symmetrical with minimal maintenance. Whether positioned beside an entrance, used to frame a pathway or displayed in a large container, it delivers reliable year-round structure and colour.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | × Cuprocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan Gold' |
| Common Name | Castlewellan Gold Leyland Cypress |
| Plant Type | Evergreen conifer trained as a cone on a standard stem |
| Foliage | Dense, fine-textured golden-yellow evergreen foliage |
| Seasonal Interest | Bright evergreen colour and formal structure throughout the year |
| Growth Habit | Upright, vigorous conifer maintained as a clipped cone above a clear stem |
| Position | Full sun or light partial shade |
| Soil | Fertile, moist but well-drained soil |
| Mature Height | Future growth is controlled by regular pruning to maintain the trained form |
| Mature Spread | Determined by the maintained cone shape |
| Exposure | Suitable for sheltered or exposed gardens once established |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy in Irish gardens. |
Plant in full sun for the richest golden foliage, although light partial shade is also suitable. It performs well in both sheltered and more exposed locations.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells, particularly for container-grown specimens.
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. It adapts well to most soil types provided they do not remain waterlogged.
Fully hardy throughout Ireland and requires no winter protection once established. Applying mulch around the base in spring helps retain moisture and supports healthy root growth.
Trim the new growth once or twice during the growing season to maintain the crisp cone shape. Remove any shoots that develop from the clear stem below the crown to preserve the standard form.
The supplied height of 230cm refers to the overall height at the time of sale. Regular light trimming maintains the dense cone shape and encourages fresh, colourful growth while preserving the elegant standard form.

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