Leyland Cypress "Blue Jeans"

Synonyms: Cupressocyparis Blue Jeans, Leylandii Blue Jeans , Chamaecyparis leylandii Blue Jeans, Leylandii x Cuprocyparis Blue Jeans, Leylandii x Cupressocyparis Blue Jeans.

Leyland Cypress «Blue Jeans» is a beautiful blue-green form of Leyland cypress. The form was obtained by the breeder Pieter van den Dool in the 1990s at the Van den Dool nursery, Waddinxveen, Netherlands. It received a gold medal in 2009 at the Plantarium in Boskoop (Netherlands).

It is a medium-tall fast-growing tree 4-5 m in height and 1-2 m in width with a regular conical, fluffy crown. Annual growth is 40-50 cm per year.

Foliage scale-like, dense, green with a bluish tint.

Cones small, up to 1 cm in diameter. Mature in the same year.

Hardiness zone: 6b (-20°C)

Location: not demanding to soil, but grows well on nutrient-poor, fresh, acidic or alkaline soil. Recommended soil pH 5.5-8. Drought-tolerant, tolerates urban conditions well. Light-loving but shade-tolerant. No foliage scorch in the sun observed. Requires a site protected from cold winds (especially from the cold east).

Planting: planting density for a hedge 1.5 m high – 3 plants per meter; for a 1 m high hedge – 4 plants per meter. When planting, add organic fertilizer 2-3 kg per plant. Upright plants that will not be pruned are planted 4-5 m apart.

Pruning: Pruning is carried out at the end of summer. Sanitary and formative pruning are recommended.

Care: watering is needed only during prolonged drought. In spring, a three-component compound fertilizer can be applied (30-50 g per plant).

Diseases and pests: practically not affected by diseases. Rarely attacked by spider mites and wood-borers.

Propagation: propagated by cuttings.

Uses: used for creating tall hedges, bosquets, screens and wind protection. Also looks good in solitary and group plantings.