How to Grow Weeping Leyland Cypress
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Weeping Leyland Cypress
Cupressus × leylandii 'Pendula'
treeThe weeping Leyland cypress is a graceful, fast-growing evergreen conifer with elegant drooping branches and soft, feathery foliage. This cultivar is prized for its weeping form, which creates a striking vertical accent or specimen plant in landscapes. It combines the vigor of the Leyland cypress with an ornamental weeping habit.
When should you plant Weeping Leyland Cypress in your zone?
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Example Weeping Leyland Cypress timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Weeping Leyland Cypress
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Weeping Leyland Cypress
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in zones 6b-9a; can be grown in zone 6a with winter protection
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Get my Weeping Leyland Cypress timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Year 1Young whip or small nursery plant with minimal branching
Water regularly (2-3 times per week), mulch base, provide stake support if necessary, protect from harsh winter winds in cold zones
Early Growth
Years 2-3Rapid upright growth with development of side branches; weeping form beginning to show
Continue consistent watering, light pruning to shape if desired, maintain mulch layer, fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer in spring
Development
Years 3-5Branches elongate and weep more prominently; tree reaches 15-30 feet tall depending on cultivar
Reduce watering frequency as tree establishes, prune lower branches if desired for clearance, monitor for pests, thin interior branches to reduce wind resistance
Maturity
Year 5 onwardFull weeping form achieved with graceful drooping branches creating fountain-like silhouette; dense evergreen foliage
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged branches, maintain air circulation through selective thinning, occasional deep watering during drought
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick bags in winter, apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in late spring, use spinosad or neem oil for light infestations
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Increase humidity with regular misting, spray with strong water jet, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, use sulfur sprays in cooler seasons
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Prune out heavily infested branches, apply horticultural oil in winter, use insecticidal soap during growing season
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(Phytophthora spp., fungal pathogens)
Ensure excellent drainage, avoid waterlogging, remove and destroy infected branches, improve air circulation, apply copper fungicide to cankers
Uses
Specimen Plant & Focal Point
LandscapeThe graceful weeping form makes this tree an outstanding specimen plant, perfect as a focal point in gardens, courtyards, and formal landscapes. Its elegant silhouette provides year-round visual interest. [source]
Privacy Screen & Windbreak
LandscapeWhen grouped or planted in rows, weeping Leyland cypress creates an attractive evergreen screen for privacy and wind protection. Its rapid growth makes it a practical choice for screening. [source]
Cut Foliage & Arrangements
CraftThe soft, feathery foliage is valued in floral arrangements and holiday greenery for its delicate appearance and pleasant coniferous scent. [source]
Bird Habitat & Nesting
WildlifeThe dense evergreen foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds year-round, making it valuable for wildlife gardens. [source]
Fragrant Greenery
HouseholdThe crushed foliage releases a pleasant, fresh coniferous fragrance, and branches can be used in potpourri or dried arrangements. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested in traditional sense; prune to remove dead wood, diseased branches, or to maintain desired shape. Best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth. Remove lower branches selectively to increase ground clearance if desired.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Leyland cypress is a hybrid conifer created in 1888 when botanists crossed Monterey Cypress with Atlantic White Cedar; the weeping form is a special cultivar selection of this already remarkable hybrid.
- 🌱 This tree can grow 3-4 feet per year in ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing evergreen conifers suitable for temperate climates.
- 🌱 The foliage releases an aromatic compound when brushed, with a subtle lemon-like or spicy scent that many gardeners find pleasant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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