Lemon Cypress - Cupressus macrocarpa 'Lemon Scent'

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Lemon Scent' is a charming evergreen conifer prized for its soft, lemon scented foliage and elegant upright, conical form. Whether you're looking for a fragrant hedge, a striking container specimen, or a living Christmas tree, this versatile and low maintenance plant delivers year round appeal in a compact, manageable size.

The foliage is wonderfully soft to the touch and releases a fresh, citrusy lemon fragrance when brushed a sensory delight in any garden. Foliage colour shifts beautifully depending on light conditions: a rich golden yellow in full sun, transitioning to a fresh lime green in shadier spots, giving you flexibility in placement and design.

Growing to just 2-4m in height with a narrow spread of 60cm-1m, 'Lemon Scent' is perfectly suited to smaller gardens, courtyards, balconies, and formal plantings where space is at a premium.

Key Features:

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay conditions. Tolerates a range of soil types provided drainage is adequate.
• Light: Thrives in full sun where foliage turns a rich golden yellow. Will grow in semi shade but foliage will be lime green rather than golden. Best colour and density achieved in a sunny position.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, maintain moderate moisture levels and water during extended dry or hot periods. Avoid overwatering or allowing roots to sit in wet soil.
• Fertiliser: Apply an annual slow release fertiliser in spring. A balanced general purpose or native-friendly slow release formula works well. Avoid over-fertilising, which can lead to soft, weak growth.
• Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Trim lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain a tidy conical shape if desired. Responds well to gentle shaping but rarely requires heavy pruning. Mulch well around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Flowering: Flowering is insignificant, this plant is grown entirely for its aromatic, colourful foliage and elegant form rather than its flowers. No fruit is produced.

For the most vibrant golden foliage, plant in a position that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sun per day. In shadier spots the plant will still perform well but the foliage will lean more lime green than gold. If growing in a pot, repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger container to prevent the plant becoming root bound and to refresh the growing medium.

At Plant Nest, we make it easy to buy plants online with delivery direct to your door. Every plant is hand-selected for quality, carefully packed, and backed by expert advice so you can grow with confidence.