The Lemon Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’) is a popular ornamental plant known for its bright, chartreuse foliage and strong citrus scent when touched. This narrow, columnar evergreen is often used in container gardening and as a landscape specimen, especially in areas with mild winters. Its appearance makes it a favorite for adding an accent to patios, decks, and garden borders. The ultimate height of the Lemon Cypress depends entirely on its environment and the maintenance it receives.
Unrestricted Height and Growth Rate
When planted directly in the ground under ideal conditions, the Lemon Cypress reveals its potential as a large tree. This cultivar commonly grows between 15 and 20 feet tall in the landscape, potentially reaching 30 to 40 feet over many years. This mature size contrasts sharply with the small, potted plants sold in garden centers.
The growth rate is slow to moderate, depending on age and growing conditions. Young, established plants typically gain 6 to 12 inches in height annually, though some well-sited specimens may grow a foot or two per year. Understanding this natural potential is the first step in managing the plant, as its mature size is rarely seen in home settings.
Controlling Size Through Location
The ultimate size of a Lemon Cypress is determined by its planting location, specifically whether it is restricted to a container or allowed to root freely in the ground. For most homeowners, the plant is kept in a pot, which naturally limits its growth. When grown in a container, the plant’s height is often manageable, typically staying within a range of 3 to 8 feet tall.
Root Restriction
The physical constraint of the pot prevents the root system from expanding freely, which naturally stunts the above-ground growth. This restriction is the primary method by which the plant remains a compact size for indoor or patio use. To maintain a specific, smaller size, growers must periodically perform root pruning and repotting. Selecting a pot only one size larger during repotting helps prevent excessive new growth, as the plant only grows to the size its roots can support.
Active Height Maintenance
Beyond the natural size restriction of a container, gardeners rely on consistent pruning to actively maintain the Lemon Cypress’s desired height and conical shape. Regular trimming encourages the dense, bright yellow-green foliage for which the plant is valued, as the newest growth provides the best color. Pruning stimulates the development of side shoots, which keeps the plant looking full and prevents it from becoming sparse or leggy.
The best time to perform this maintenance is in late winter or early spring before the main flush of new growth, or in mid-summer after the initial growth surge. When trimming, avoid cutting back into the old, brown, or leafless wood. Conifers like the Lemon Cypress do not reliably sprout new growth from these sections. Focus instead on shearing only the tips of the green, growing foliage to maintain the plant’s tight, pyramidal form. Consistent, light trimming is more effective for height control than attempting a severe reduction all at once.