The Leyland cypress is a hybrid of two cypress trees from the Cupressus and Chamaecyparis genera. "Green Giant" is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8, and the Leyland cypress is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10. In optimum environments, the tree can grow up to 4 feet per year. Both "Green Giant" and Leyland cypress are evergreen conifers and generally top out at around 60 feet.
Don't be like me. Like the previously mentioned Leyland, the Murray Cypress’ primary function is for privacy purposes. On the other hand, the Leyland cypress grows best in full, hot sunlight. Murray Cypress can grow up to 4 feet per year, making a dense screen quickly. "Green Giant," on the other hand, is a cultivar of two species from one genus: Thuja plicata and Tjuja standishii.It's the fast growth and evergreen foliage of both trees that attracts home gardeners to these plants. Once established, the Leyland cypress can tolerate drought.
It grows up to 3 feet per year during its early years, according to Missouri Botanical Garden, and in the wild it can reach heights of over 100 feet. Leyland Cypress trees can reach heights between 40 to 60 feet at maturity and 20 to 25 feet wide. Another great trait is the growth rate. Murray Cypress are fast growing evergreen trees that are used as a hardier substitute for Leyland Cypress. Copyright © Greenwood Nursery, 1998-2020 • 636 Myers Cove Road, McMinnville, TN 37110 • Phone: 1-800-426-0958 or Contact us at: info@greenwoodnursery.com Mature Thuja Green Giants grow to about 20 to 40 feet tall and 12 to 20 wide, making them a smaller option than the Leyland. Disclaimer: All images are for reference only and may not represent the sizes of plants shipped. Because each plant has its own pros and cons, which is better depends on personal preference and where and how the tree will be used.A tree's background doesn't necessarily make it better than another tree, but the differences can still be interesting.
They should be planted about 6 to 10 feet apart.
Several trees in at least three genera are called "cypress," including trees in the Taxodium, Cupressus and Chamaecyparis genera, but it is the Leyland cypress that is the most commonly grown in home landscapes. Formerly called the Murray-X, the Murray Cypress is a variant of the Leyland Cypress. "Green Giant" grows to a maximum average height of about 60 feet, with a maximum width of about 14 feet. I decided to check back and, although no false promises were made by Greenwood, I found other companies offered specimens 3x the size for the same price. It grows BETTER on more marginal sites than the regular Leyland Cypress. The Leyland cypress is a bit larger -- it grows to a maximum height of about 70 feet, with a maximum average width of around 15 feet. Homeowners and landscapers looking for a fast-growing, evergreen tree to be used as a hedge or privacy barrier often narrow their choice to two plants: The "Green Giant" arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata "Green Giant") or a cypress called the Leyland cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii). Appearance. Thuja Green Giant is our best seller ever. Quick growing evergreen, the Murray Cypress has branches that are stronger than the Leyland Cypress as well as being more disease resistant and resilient to fungus. This quickly-growing evergreen is ideal for creating privacy on property that can’t be easily screened by the height of … Murray Cypress is an evergreen tree hardy in zones 6 – 9, grows to 50 ft high, 12 ft wide.
"Green Giant" tolerates cold better than the Leyland cypress, but the latter tolerates heat better than the former. Today, "Green Giant" is promoted as a better alternative to the Leyland cypress primarily because it is far less likely to succumb to serious disease or insect pests. Both trees like rich, well-draining soil, but "Green Giant" prefers soil on the moist side, whereas the Leyland cypress will tolerate drier conditions.When the Leyland cypress first burst onto the scene, it quickly became extremely popular. Murray Cypress is an evergreen relative of the popular Leyland Cypress, but has a few differences that make it better. Plant looks good, however, I was expecting a taller plant for that price. Hardiness zones 6-10. Rapid grower, can grow up to 3-5 ft a year. Botanical name Murray × Cypress.
"Green Giant," on the other hand, does not like hot, dry conditions.Besides the climate, you also need to consider the environment. It has improved disease resistance, stronger branching and some tolerance for partially wet soil. If you live in a hot climate and the planting site is shaded in the afternoon, for example, then the best tree would be "Green Giant," because it grows best with some afternoon protection from the hot sun. Over time, however, this changed, according to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, and now the tree is known to suffer from a wide variety of problems, including issues with diseases and insect pests. "Green Giant" has true, very dense green foliage, whereas the Leyland's foliage is less dense and more of a grayish-green hue. Because the trees are so large, it is almost impossible to treat a sick Leyland cypress. At Thuja Gardens we specialize in fast growing privacy trees.