Tree
Leyland Cypress
Hesperotropsis leylandii
Traits
Varieties We Carry
Emerald IsleHesperotropsis leylandiiStandardHesperotropsis leylandii
Sizes & Pricing
15 galFrom$169.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size35-50 feet × 15-25 feet
About Leyland Cypress
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.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Alkaline, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
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
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.
Soil & Fertilizer
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.
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Common questions
Is Leyland Cypress a good plant for St. Augustine?
Leyland Cypress is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 35-50 feet × 15-25 feet.
Care information verified from
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.