About

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Donard Gold' is a tall, slender evergreen conifer characterized by its conical shape and vibrant yellow-green foliage that emits a pleasant aroma. The tree's cinnamon-brown bark adds a contrasting texture. To achieve optimal color, it thrives in full sunlight. This variety works well for creating privacy screens or as a backdrop in shrub borders.

About the genus

Cupressus are robust, evergreen trees characterized by their flaking or scaly bark. They typically feature columnar or narrowly ovoid crowns, along with small, often fragrant, scale-like foliage. The female cones are small and spherical in shape.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Conifers, Trees
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Coastal
Fragrance
Foliage

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from cool, drying winds. Tolerates dry conditions. Can be used for hedging but will require regular pruning. See conifer cultivation for further advice
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to cypress aphid
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to coryneum canker and honey fungus. See Conifers: brown patches