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Lemon Cypress Aftercare in the Pacific Northwest

Lemon Cypress

Lemon Cypress tree, Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest', mature specimen — species reference for Pacific Arboriculture homeowners in Auburn and the south Puget Sound.
Lemon Cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'). Photo: Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cupressus_macrocarpa_Goldcrest_1zz.jpg
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’
  • Bright chartreuse-yellow foliage with a distinct lemon scent when crushed
  • Narrow upright columnar form — useful for vertical accents and tight spaces
  • Popular as a container specimen and seasonal indoor accent
  • Best in mild maritime climates — sensitive to hard freezes and drying winds

Lemon Cypress is the chartreuse-yellow upright cypress that has become a staple of porch containers and entry displays across the south Puget Sound. The narrow columnar form takes minimal lateral space, the foliage carries a distinct lemon scent when brushed, and the bright color holds through the year in mild maritime climates. Performs best as a container specimen or planted in protected sheltered spots in the ground.

Planting and Care

  1. Planting. For in-ground planting, choose a sheltered location with well-drained soil and protection from drying winter winds. For containers, use a high-quality potting mix and a container with strong drainage. Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the rootball, set the trunk flare at grade, backfill with native soil amended for drainage if needed, and mulch.
  2. Watering. Lemon Cypress prefers consistent moisture but resents soggy soil. In containers, water when the top inch of soil dries; in the ground, deep weekly watering through the first growing season then supplemental water during dry stretches. Containers in full sun may need daily watering in midsummer.
  3. Fertilizing. Light feeders. A balanced slow-release fertilizer applied once in early spring is sufficient for in-ground plantings. Container specimens benefit from a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the active growing season.
  4. Pruning. Light shaping in late spring through mid-summer maintains the columnar silhouette. Avoid cutting into bare wood — Lemon Cypress does not regenerate from old growth.

Lemon Cypress thrives in mild south Puget Sound microclimates — Tacoma, Federal Way, and Des Moines waterfront sites are ideal. Inland Auburn and Sumner sites benefit from container culture so plants can be moved to shelter during hard freezes.

Need a Pacific Arboriculture ISA Certified Arborist to look at the lemon cypress on the property?
Call (206) 909-2170 or request a free quote — Pacific Arboriculture provides residential and commercial tree services across Auburn, Kent, Renton, Tacoma, Federal Way, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Maple Valley, and the wider south Puget Sound.

Return to Conifers aftercare.

Lemon Cypress Specs

Mature Height6–10 ft (in containers); 15–25 ft (in ground)
Mature Width1–3 ft
SunlightFull Sun, Partial Shade
Growth RateModerate
Botanical NameHesperocyparis macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’
Planting questions?
(206) 909-2170
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