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The lemon cypress tree, commonly known as the Goldcrest tree for its cultivar, is a variant of the Monterey cypress tree that grows in the Pacific Northwest. Because of the rich, pungent lemon aroma that its branches emit when you brush against them or crush their leaves, it has earned the nickname “lemon tree.” Whether you choose to cultivate your lemon cypress trees inside or out, you may start with Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest.’ Lemon cypress maintenance is not difficult if you follow a few simple guidelines.
About Lemon Cypress Tree
Lemon cypress trees are available in two different sizes: small and larger. When grown outdoors in their native environment, the trees may reach heights of up to 16 feet (5 meters). This is a rather little cypress tree.
If you’re looking for a houseplant, the dwarf lemon cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest Wilma’) is the preferable alternative. This little tree seldom grows higher than 3 feet (91 cm), making it an excellent choice for growing in indoor container gardens.
The tree’s green-yellow, needle-like leaves, conical growth pattern, and bright, fresh citrus scent have won it a large number of fans throughout the years. If you are considering cultivating lemon cypress, you should be aware of the fundamental guidelines of lemon cypress maintenance.
Lemon Cypress Treatment in the Outdoors
Growing lemon cypress tree is not very difficult in general. Ideally, the trees should be planted in well-draining soil, although they are not fussy about whether the soil is loamy, sandy, or chalky. They will also take soil that is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.
Whether you’re planting lemon cypress in your garden or in a container, you’ll need to know how to care for lemon cypress outside. It is possible to grow them well in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. Due to the fact that lemon cypress trees cannot thrive in the shadow, you’ll need to locate your outside tree in a sunny location.
Irrigation should not be neglected, particularly shortly after planting. You’ll need to water the tree twice a week throughout its first growth season. Watering is an essential aspect of maintaining the health of lemon cypress trees in the landscape. After the first year, irrigate the soil anytime it seems to be dry.
It’s time to give the tree some nutrients in the spring. Before new growth sprouts in the spring, use a normal, slow-release 20-20-20 fertilizer to get a jump on the season.
Care for a Lemon Cypress Houseplant
In the event that you decide to start growing lemon cypress trees inside as houseplants, keep in mind that they thrive in chilly environments. During the winter, keep your thermostat set to the low 60s (15-16 degrees Celsius).
The most challenging aspect of caring for a lemon cypress houseplant is ensuring that it receives enough light. Choose a window that receives plenty of natural light, and rotate the container on a regular basis to ensure that each side receives equal exposure. The houseplant demands direct sunlight for six to eight hours every day.
Don’t forget to water your lemon cypress houseplant; it’s an absolute must for proper upkeep. They will not forgive you if you do not give them a thorough soaking once a week; you will see brown needles appearing. When the soil becomes dry, water it.
Is Lemon Cypress a Cold-Tolerant Herbal Extract?
Lemon cypress is a little evergreen plant that resembles a miniature golden Christmas tree in its appearance. When you brush up against the branches of the bushes, you will be greeted with a delightful lemony aroma that will linger in your mind for days. In the summer, many people purchase lemon cypress in pots and use them to adorn their patios.
Lemon cypress in the winter, on the other hand, is rather different. Is lemon cypress tolerant of cold temperatures? Continue reading to find out whether or not you can winterize lemon cypress trees, as well as some helpful ideas for winterizing lemon cypress trees.
A beautiful plant that grows in California, the lemon cypress, is small and delicate. It is a cultivar of Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress) known as’ Goldcrest, ‘and it is native to California. With its lemon yellow foliage and lovely citrus aroma, this evergreen is as at home inside as it is outside.
If you purchase the tree from a garden center, it will most likely be cone-shaped or chopped into a topiary form. In any scenario, the shrub will flourish if it is planted in an area that receives lots of sunshine and consistent rainfall. Outdoors, the lemon cypress may reach a height of 30 feet (9 meters).
What happens to lemon cypress during the winter? Although the trees can withstand cold conditions, temperatures below the freezing point can do them damage, which is why many gardeners choose to keep them in pots and bring them inside during the winter.
Is Lemon Cypress a Cold-Tolerant Tree?
If you intend on planting your tree outdoors, you’ll need to consider the weather conditions. Is lemon cypress tolerant of cold temperatures? If it is grown in the proper location, it can withstand slightly lower temperatures. A plant that has its roots in the ground will fare better in cold weather than a plant that is grown in a container.
A majority of the time, lemon cypress bushes do well in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. If you reside in one of these climate zones, you should put the little shrub in the ground in the spring when the earth begins to warm up. This will give it enough time to establish a strong root system before the winter months arrive.
Choose a location that receives morning or evening light, but avoid placing it directly in the path of direct afternoon sun. Adult leaves need direct sunlight, while young leaves (which are green and fluffy) prefer indirect sunlight. It’s important to remember that the plant was probably cultivated in a greenhouse with some sun protection, so gradually expose it to more sunlight. Every day, increase the amount of “full light” time you give it until it becomes totally adapted.
Lemon cypress should be winterized
It is not possible to winterize lemon cypress plants such that they will tolerate temperatures lower than freezing. The plant will almost certainly suffer from winter burn, and it may even succumb to root freeze and death. No amount of lemon cypress winter care will be able to protect it from the extreme cold of the outdoors.
While it is feasible to preserve the shrub in a container and bring it inside for the winter, this is not recommended. In the summer, it is possible to enjoy an outdoor vacation on your patio.