Cupressus macrocarpa (Goldcrest) ‘Wilma’ Care Guide

Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Wilma’, also known as Monterey cypress ‘Wilma Goldcrest’, is a compact, conical evergreen conifer celebrated for its bright golden-green foliage and citrus fragrance when brushed. Its neat, upright form makes it ideal for small gardens, containers, patios, or as a cheerful accent in beds and borders. With the right care, ‘Wilma’ provides year-round colour and structure with minimal fuss.

Planting & Position

Choosing the right site will set your Goldcrest ‘Wilma’ up for success.

• Light requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

  • Best foliage colour is achieved in a bright, sunny spot.

• Soil:

  • Prefers fertile, moist, but well-drained soil.

  • Tolerates most soil types, from sandy to loamy, as long as drainage is good.

• Planting time:

  • Best planted in spring or autumn, avoiding extreme cold or hot spells.

• Spacing:

  • Plant 60–80 cm apart if using in a hedge or row.

  • Allow space for upward growth in borders or pots.

• Container growing:

  • Excellent in decorative pots for patios, doorways, or balconies.

  • Use a quality multipurpose compost with added grit or sand for drainage.

Care & Maintenance

‘Wilma’ is generally low-maintenance, but benefits from seasonal care to keep its shape and colour vibrant.

• Watering:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially in the first year after planting.

  • Water regularly in dry spells; container-grown plants may need daily watering in summer.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser in spring.

  • For potted plants, feed monthly with liquid fertiliser during the growing season.

• Pruning:

  • Naturally grows in a narrow, upright cone shape.

  • Little to no pruning is needed, though light trimming in late spring can maintain shape.

  • Avoid cutting into old wood, as it may not regrow.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a mulch of bark or compost around the base in spring to conserve moisture.

• Pests & problems:

  • Generally healthy, but watch for aphids or scale insects on container plants.

  • Browning foliage may indicate drought stress, poor drainage, or cold wind exposure.

• Winter care:

  • Hardy in most UK and Irish gardens.

  • Protect container-grown specimens in very exposed or windy sites.

Design Uses & Seasonal Interest

Goldcrest ‘Wilma’ is both practical and ornamental, bringing year-round colour and structure to gardens of all sizes.

• Containers & pots:

  • Perfect as a pair by entrances, on patios, or in balcony planters.

  • Works well with seasonal bedding plants such as pansies, violas, or trailing ivy.

• Borders & beds:

  • Adds strong vertical structure and contrast against softer perennials.

  • Excellent as a bright focal point in mixed planting schemes.

• Hedges & screens:

  • Can be planted in a row for a low-maintenance, fragrant hedge.

• All-season appeal:

  • Evergreen foliage ensures colour throughout the year.

  • Distinctive lemon scent adds sensory interest when leaves are rubbed or brushed.

• Compact size:

  • Naturally smaller than other cypress varieties, making it suitable for urban gardens and small spaces.

In summary: Cupressus macrocarpa (Goldcrest) ‘Wilma’ is a vibrant, upright evergreen with citrus-scented golden foliage. Easy to grow in borders, pots, or as a hedge, it needs only regular watering, occasional feeding, and minimal pruning. Ideal for adding year-round structure, fragrance, and cheerful colour to any garden setting.

• Size
  P23

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Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
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