How to Grow Monterey Cypress
Cupressus macrocarpa
Monterey cypress thrives in full sun in well-drained soil and tolerates coastal exposure and salt-laden winds. The compact golden cultivar Goldcrest Wilma suits containers and small gardens; the species grows into a large shelter tree. Water regularly for the first two seasons then reduce. Never cut back into bare wood. Mulch annually and feed young trees in spring. Hardy in mild coastal areas but golden forms may scorch in cold inland winters.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed young trees with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring for the first two to three years. Established Monterey cypress rarely needs supplemental feeding; an annual mulch of composted bark is usually sufficient.
Watch For
- Cypress canker (Seiridium cardinale) causing dieback of branches
- Aphids and scale insects on new growth
- Phytophthora root rot in waterlogged soils
- Wind scorch on exposed sites, especially in winter
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Needs at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Golden-foliaged forms like Goldcrest Wilma colour up best in full sun; shade dulls the foliage to green.
Watering
Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Water deeply once or twice a week for the first two growing seasons. Established trees are drought-tolerant in coastal climates. Avoid waterlogged soil at all times.
Fertilizing
Light feed in spring for young trees only
Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertiliser in early spring for the first two to three years. Established trees need no feeding beyond an annual mulch of composted bark.
Pruning
Minimal; light trim only into green growth
Clip lightly in spring or early summer to maintain shape. Never cut back into bare wood as the tree will not regenerate from leafless stems. Remove dead or diseased wood at any time.
Spacing
6-8 m for the species; 1-2 m for Goldcrest Wilma
The full-size species needs at least 6-8 m from buildings and boundaries. Goldcrest Wilma is compact and suits a 1-2 m spacing for screening or container planting.
Popular Varieties
Goldcrest Wilma
Compact, slow-growing golden-yellow cultivar. Conical habit with lemon-scented foliage. Popular as a patio container plant or low hedge. Also sold as Wilma or Lemon Cypress. Reaches 2-3 m in a garden setting.
