Hesperotropsis leylandii
We carry this. Available at our St. Augustine nursery; call (904) 471-0440 to confirm current stock.
Leyland Cypress (×Hesperotropsis leylandii) is a fast-growing, dense evergreen hybrid conifer widely used for privacy screens and windbreaks. It is cold-hardy in zone 9b but UF/IFAS Extension strongly discourages planting it in Florida due to Seiridium canker, a lethal fungal disease that thrives in Florida's cycles of drought and rain and for which there is no effective treatment. Starting at $169.95.
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Leyland Cypress grows best in full sun. It is cold-hardy and fast-growing in zone 9b, but UF/IFAS Extension strongly cautions against planting it in Florida: Seiridium canker fungus is lethal and widespread, especially in the humid, drought-then-rain climate of NE Florida. Consider alternatives such as Eastern Red Cedar or Podocarpus for screening.
Water regularly to establish, then reduce to moderate supplemental irrigation. Leyland Cypress is most susceptible to Seiridium canker following drought stress — maintain consistent soil moisture to reduce stress, but avoid overwatering or poor drainage. Despite good care, canker infection is difficult to prevent in Florida's climate.
Adaptable to a wide range of soils (acid to alkaline, sand to clay) as long as drainage is adequate; tolerates poor drainage briefly. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. Be aware that no amount of good care eliminates the Seiridium canker risk in NE Florida — UF/IFAS recommends selecting alternative screening trees.
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
TreeConocarpus erectus
TreeCoccoloba uvifera
Crataegus marshallii
Leyland Cypress is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 35-50 feet × 15-25 feet.
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.
