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Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest Wilma'

Previously known as:

  • Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest Wilma'
  • Cupressus macrocarpa 'Wilma Goldcrest'
  • Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Wilma Goldcrest'
Phonetic Spelling
hes-per-oh-SY-pair-iss ma-kro-KAR-pa
Description

'Goldcrest Wilma', is a cultivar of Hesperocyparis macrocarpa and a dwarf selection of the cultivar, 'Goldcrest'. Ironically, while Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, the primary species, is one of the largest of the cypress and can reach 80 feet high, 'Goldcrest Wilma' matures to a height of only 6 feet. 'Goldcrest Wilma' is a narrow, columnar, needled evergreen conifer with year round, bright yellow foliage. Although it shares a name with another cultivar, 'Wilma', the two should not be confused. Cultivar 'Wilma' is slower growing, while 'Goldcrest Wilma' is fast growing and has a more open branching habit.

'Goldcrest Wilma' tolerates a range of soil pH, but needs well-drained soil and thrives in sandy soils. Because it grows quickly, you should avoid planting it in rich soil that would encourage quick growth and make it susceptible to strong winds. It can be grown in a container, but be sure to water regularly.  It is an easy to grow plant that requires little pruning unless being grown as a hedge.  If you must prune, do so in the spring. Due to its small size, it can be used as a container plant or houseplant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

Susceptible to borers. Armillaria, Phytophthora, root rot, and coryneum canker are disease problems.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#houseplant#specimen#low maintenance#dwarf#salt spray tolerant#needled evergreen#deer resistant#border planting#evergreen tree#container plant#hedge#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#houseplant#specimen#low maintenance#dwarf#salt spray tolerant#needled evergreen#deer resistant#border planting#evergreen tree#container plant#hedge#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hesperocyparis
    Species:
    macrocarpa
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Columnar
    Open
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No fruits, cones.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Insignificant
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Description:
    No flowers, evergreen
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Soft, bright gold juvenile foliage with a greenish tint that persists year-round. Foliage has a strong lemon scent.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Hedge
    Small Tree
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Salt