Holiday Golden Cypress

*Ships 1-3 Days

Size
$68.00

$1500+, SAVEMORE20 for 20% off
$3000+, SAVEMORE30 for 30% off
$7000+, Contact our sales team

For questions on bulk order discounts
Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

 

The Wilma Goldcrest Cypress, scientifically known as Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Wilma Goldcrest’, is a striking evergreen conifer prized for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage and upright growth habit. This compact tree features a narrow, columnar shape, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or as a standout accent in landscaping. Its eye-catching color provides year-round interest and works beautifully in both formal and informal settings.

  • Botanical Name: Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Wilma Goldcrest’
  • Other common names: Monterey Cypress
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is essential for maintaining its vibrant color and healthy growth.

WATER:
Water regularly, especially during dry spells; allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering. Approximately every 1-2 weeks. Watering frequency may vary based on climate and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 7-10; thrives in well-draining soil and is tolerant of various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Or hardy indoors in any climate.

Note: This cypress variety is known for its low maintenance requirements and can tolerate coastal conditions, making it a great option for seaside gardens.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Wilma Goldcrest Cypress, scientifically known as Cupressus macro ‘Wilma Goldcrest’, is a compact evergreen conifer that adds bright color and vertical interest to gardens and landscapes. This ornamental tree is celebrated for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage and its narrow, conical shape, making it an eye-catching focal point in any setting. With proper care—including ample sunlight and moderate watering—the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress thrives in various environments, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking to enhance their outdoor space with year-round color and elegance.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate; it reaches a mature height of 6 to 8 feet and a width of 1 to 2 feet.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Wilma Goldcrest Cypress prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its bright golden color.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Trim lightly in early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can affect the tree’s natural conical form.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.

Winter Protection: In colder zones, mulch around the base to protect roots from extreme temperatures. Consider shielding the tree from harsh winter winds, which can cause foliage discoloration.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade exposure. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface. Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Provide regular watering during the first growing season to help the tree establish.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 7-10

Wilma Goldcrest Cypress thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10, which encompass regions with mild winters and warm summers. These zones provide ideal conditions for the tree to maintain its vibrant golden foliage year-round. While the tree can tolerate occasional cold snaps, protection from extreme freezing temperatures is beneficial in the colder zones. Gardeners in these regions can enjoy the tree’s low-maintenance nature and its ability to add bright color and structure to their landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Wilma Goldcrest Cypress typically grows to a height of 6 to 8 feet and spreads about 1 to 2 feet wide at maturity. Its naturally narrow, columnar shape makes it ideal for small spaces, container planting, and as an accent in gardens. In a pot or indoor setting, it may stay slightly smaller due to limited root space, reaching around 4 to 6 feet in height.

The Wilma Goldcrest Cypress has a slow to moderate growth rate, typically growing about 6 to 12 inches per year under ideal conditions. It reaches a mature height of 6 to 8 feet over several years when grown outdoors. In a container, it may stay smaller due to limited root space. This slow growth rate, combined with its compact, columnar shape, makes it a popular choice for small gardens, containers, and indoor decoration.

The best place to plant the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress is in a location that receives full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil, making it a great choice for gardens, borders, or containers in bright, open areas.

Avoid low-lying areas where water might pool, as this Cypress doesn’t tolerate soggy soil. Plant it in a sheltered spot if your area experiences strong winds, as its slender shape can be vulnerable to breakage. Indoors, place it near a south- or west-facing window to ensure it gets adequate light. With the right location, the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress will maintain its vibrant yellow-green color and compact, columnar shape.

Yes, you can keep the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress in a pot, making it a versatile option for patios, balconies, and even indoor spaces. Choose a pot with good drainage that’s slightly larger than the root ball to allow for growth. Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably slightly acidic to neutral, to support healthy root development.

Place the potted Cypress in full sun to partial shade outdoors, or a bright spot indoors that receives at least 6 hours of light daily. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, letting excess water drain out to avoid root rot. Repot every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant outgrows its container. With regular watering and occasional feeding, the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress will thrive in a pot, adding color and fragrance to your space.

Yes, you can keep the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress indoors, where it makes an attractive, fragrant houseplant. Place it in a bright location with at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily, such as near a south- or west-facing window. Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even growth.

Indoors, the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress prefers slightly higher humidity, so you may need to mist it regularly or place a humidifier nearby to prevent dryness. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.

During the growing season, feed the plant with a balanced, diluted fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to support its compact, vibrant growth. With proper care, the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress can thrive indoors, adding a fresh lemon scent and evergreen color to your space.

You should repot the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress every 2 to 3 years or when you notice roots beginning to outgrow the container, appearing at the drainage holes or circling the pot. Early spring, just before the growing season, is an ideal time to repot, as it allows the plant to adjust to its new pot and encourages healthy root development.

Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally slightly acidic to neutral, to support the plant’s growth. After repotting, water thoroughly to help settle the soil and remove air pockets.

Yes, the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress is considered a dwarf tree. It grows slowly, typically reaching about 6 to 8 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide over several years, making it more compact than standard cypress varieties. Its manageable size and narrow, columnar shape make it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, and indoor displays. While it can grow larger outdoors under ideal conditions, its naturally compact form classifies it as a dwarf variety.

The Wilma Goldcrest Cypress gets its lemon scent from the natural oils in its foliage. These oils contain aromatic compounds that release a refreshing lemon fragrance when the foliage is touched or brushed against. This lemony scent is a unique characteristic of the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress, adding appeal as both an ornamental plant and an indoor decorative choice. The scent can be more pronounced on warm days or when the plant is gently handled, making it a favorite for sensory gardens and indoor spaces.

To care for the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress, plant it in full sun to partial shade, as it thrives with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant yellow-green foliage. Ensure the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral, as this Cypress does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Watering: Water the plant regularly, especially during its first year or if grown in a container. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. For established plants in the ground, water deeply during dry spells or periods of intense heat.

Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as excessive nutrients can lead to rapid, unhealthy growth.

Pruning: Prune lightly to maintain its compact shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning is usually minimal, as the Wilma Goldcrest Cypress maintains a naturally dense, columnar form.

Indoors: If growing indoors, place the plant near a bright window with good airflow, and rotate it occasionally to ensure even growth. Indoors, you may need to mist the foliage or use a humidifier to maintain adequate humidity, as the plant prefers slightly higher humidity levels.

The Wilma Goldcrest Cypress is also commonly known as Lemon Cypress or Goldcrest Cypress due to its vibrant yellow-green foliage and lemony fragrance. These alternative names highlight its unique appearance and scent, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting and indoor displays.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 30-day guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms and conditions. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 30-day guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

Sustainable shipping, quality care

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.