The Goldcrest cypressscientific name Cupressus macrocarpa var. Goldcrestis a tree belonging to the family of Cupressaceae. It is a close relative of ours common cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)but is native to California, specifically Monterey County. For this, the plant is also known as Monterey cypress or California cypress.
The Goldcrest cypress is widely cultivated all over the world as an ornamental plant, both in the public greenery of gardens and parks, but also as a pot plant for decorating indoor and outdoor spaces. This particular variety of cypress is highly appreciated for its beauty, resistance and ease of cultivation, making it ideal for many situations and contexts.
In this article, therefore, we see everything there is to know to take care of a Goldcrest cypress in the right way.
What is Goldcrest cypress like?
The Cupressus macrocarpa Goldcrest it has distinctive botanical characteristics. It is an evergreen plant, with an upright and columnar habit, very narrow and slender. It has a rather fast growth, with a strong and deep root system that anchors it to the ground. The bark is grayish-brown and has longitudinal striations.
The leaves of the Goldcrest cypress are scale-shaped and grow in spirals along the branches of the plant. This variety of cypress is distinguished from the others by the light green, almost yellow-gold color of the leaves, not very resinous, very fragrant and with lemon notes when rubbed, particularly delicate to the touch.
The Monterey cypress produces small cones, which contain the seeds of the plant and which develop from spring, but which turn brown and open only when ripe, in the summer.
How big does a Goldcrest cypress grow?
The Goldcrest cypress is a plant that can reach a considerable height, both grown in the ground and in pots. Generally, when grown in open ground, the Goldcrest cypress grows up to a height of 15-20 m, but under ideal climate and cultivation conditions it can even exceed 25 m. If, on the other hand, it grows in a pot, its height can be limited based on the size of the container and the care provided. Typically, the plant can reach a height of around 2-3m if the pot is of the right size.
However, it is important to note that Goldcrest cypress growth depends on many factors, such as soil fertility, amount of sunlight, and watering. In any case, whether the plant is grown in the ground or in pots, it is important to provide the right care to ensure healthy and vigorous growth. Let’s discover them together.
What is the ideal climate and exposure to grow a Goldcrest cypress?
The Goldcrest cypress is a plant that adapts well to different climatic and exposure conditions. However, there are some general indications that can be useful for achieving healthy and vigorous plant growth.
In terms of climate, it prefers areas with a Mediterranean or temperate climate. The plant is quite resistant to cold, but when young it does not tolerate prolonged frosts.
As for the exposure, the Goldcrest cypress prefers sunny or partially shaded ones. The plant can also tolerate more shaded exposures, but in these conditions growth can be slower and the plant can be less luxuriant. It is an averagely wind-resistant plant, given its great flexibility, but it is important to avoid areas of the garden that are too exposed to cold currents, which can damage the plant.
What is the land suitable for cultivating the Cupressus macrocarpa Goldcrest?
The Goldcrest cypress is a plant that adapts to different types of soil, but prefers well-drained ones with a Slightly acidic or neutral pH.
In general, the optimal soil for growing Goldcrest should be deep, soft, fertile and well drained. The plant does not tolerate soils that are too clayey or compact, which can impede the development of roots and cause water stagnation problems.
If you want to grow the Goldcrest cypress in open ground, it is important to prepare the soil carefully, working the soil deeply and adding organic material such as home compost or mature manure. Furthermore, it is important to make sure that the soil is well drained, perhaps by amending some sand, in order to avoid water stagnation problems.
If, on the other hand, you want to grow the Goldcrest cypress in a pot, it is important to use a soil for evergreen plantsmixed with peat and expanded perlite to improve drainage. It is also advisable to place a layer of gravel or expanded clay on the bottom of the pot to ensure further drainage of excess water.
How does a Monterey cypress plant multiply?
The Goldcrest cypress can be multiplied through several propagation techniques, including the cutting and sowing.
Propagation by cuttings is one of the most common and effective methods. Cuttings of about 10-15 cm in length are taken from the mother plant, preferably in spring or autumn. The cuttings must be taken from the upper part of the plant, where the youngest and most vigorous branches are located. Subsequently, the leaves are removed from the base of the cuttings, leaving only the first two or three pairs on the top.
The cuttings thus obtained must then be inserted in a peaty and well drained soil, mixed with sand or perlite. We recommend use a natural root agent to promote root formation. The cuttings must then be kept in a humid environment protected from direct sunlight, such as a greenhouse or a shelter with non-woven fabric. After about 6-8 weeks, the cuttings should have formed new roots and can be transplanted into permanent soil or a larger pot.
Propagation by seed is a slower and less accurate method, but can still be effective for multiplying Goldcrest cypress. For this method, the seeds are harvested from the mother plant in the autumn season. Subsequently, they are sown in a small pot with light soil, kept moist but not too soaked. After about 4-6 weeks, the first seedlings should sprout, which can be transplanted into a larger pot and kept in this pot for at least a year.
How far apart should Goldcrest cypresses be planted to create a hedge?
The Goldcrest cypress can be grown as a single isolated specimen in the garden or to create a lovely hedge. The foliage of this plant, especially when young, is a lovely bright yellow colour, giving Goldcrest a bright and attractive appearance. This makes it a great choice for adding color and vibrancy to gardens, terraces and balconies.
The ideal distance for planting i young trees (purchased at the nursery) to create a compact and uniform hedge, it is about 60-90 cm between one plant and another.
However, if a wider and more spaced hedge is desired, the planting distance can be increased to 1-1.5m. It is important to keep in mind that the Goldcrest cypress grows relatively fast and can reach considerable heights, so you need to carefully evaluate the space available to prevent the hedge from getting too tall or encroaching on the surrounding land.
Planting can be done in early spring or in autumn. It is not recommended to plant these trees in midsummer.
How much water to give Goldcrest cypress?
The amount of water to supply to the Goldcrest cypress grown in pots depends on the size of the pot, the climate and the environmental conditions. In general, it is advisable to water the plant regularly, keeping the soil always moist, but not too wet. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings, as this could cause water stress on the plant and damage its growth.
To verify the need for irrigation, you can check the humidity of the soil by inserting a finger into the substrate: if the soil is dry up to a depth of about 2-3 cm, it is necessary to water the plant.
As for cultivation in the open ground, it is recommended to water the Goldcrest regularly during the period of active growth, in spring-summer. In autumn-winter, irrigation can be done occasionally or completely suspended if there is sufficient natural rainfall.
How to prune Goldcrest cypress?
Goldcrest cypress requires regular pruning to maintain a compact, dense shape and to stimulate new shoot growth.
Here are some recommended pruning measures:
- training pruning: this pruning is carried out in the first years of life of the plant to define the desired shape, by removing the branches that grow irregularly or that develop in unwanted directions. At this stage, it’s important to remove only a small amount of foliage and branches to avoid damaging the plant;
- maintenance pruning: this intervention is carried out periodically to maintain the compact and dense shape of the plant, by removing the branches and shoots that grow in a disorderly way or that develop too quickly. It is advisable to carry out this pruning in spring or autumn;
- renewal pruning: renewal is carried out to remove old, diseased or damaged branches, stimulating the growth of new shoots and healthy branches. This pruning can be done at any time of the year to help the plant recover.
It is important to use pruning tools well sharp and clean to avoid damaging the plant and spreading disease.
What pests is Goldcrest cypress prone to?
The Goldcrest cypress can be subject to attacks by some parasites, the most dangerous of which is the fearsome one Cypress aphid (Cinara cupressi). The Goldcrests attacked by this aphid can present extensive and abnormal drying of the foliage which, if not treated, can lead to the death of the tree. It is advisable to periodically monitor the plants, inspecting the internal parts of the vegetation. It is therefore advisable to intervene at the first signs of infestation by carrying out copious washings with potassium soft soap specific fororganic farming (which you find here).
Is Goldcrest cypress resistant to pollution?
The Cupressus macrocarpa Goldcrest it is a plant quite resistant to air pollution. Like many coniferous plants, it has a great ability to absorb and filter air, thanks to its large and dense leaf area. Furthermore, cypress plants are capable of absorbing air polluting particles and converting them into organic compounds. However, it is not immune to damage from long-term air pollution, which can affect its health. Therefore, it is important to take care of Goldcrest plants and provide them with a healthy growing environment, with clean air and fertile soil, to ensure thriving growth.
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