Growing Lemon Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest Wilma')

The lemony fragrance and golden yellow-to-chartreuse coloring of this Dwarf Evergreen make it an outstanding choice for containers.

LIGHT: Indoors, Lemon Cypress should be close to a window where it will receive at least 6-8 hours a day of direct sun.

TEMPERATURE: Plants prefer cooler temperatures of 55-65°F. Water when the top 1-2 inches of potting mix is dry to the touch. Be sure not to over water, which can lead to problems with root rot.

FERTILIZING: Fertilize just once a year, in early spring, using a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 formula.

CONTINUING CARE: Lemon Cypress can spend the summer outdoors in a sunny location. If you live in Zone 7 or warmer, you can grow it outdoors year round. Move it outdoors after danger of frost is past. If you wish to keep it in a container, repot every 4 years, using a fast-draining soil mixture. To plant in the ground, choose a site that is protected from cold, harsh winds. Although it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some light shade. It is not fussy about soil as long as it is well drained with a pH of 6.6 to 7.5. It will grow to 6-8ft in 10 years with a width of just 1-2ft, having a narrow columnar habit. Pruning is seldom needed, although it can be gently shaped in spring if necessary.