Description

The Monterey cypress is resident on the eponymous peninsula in just two locations. It is undoubtedly the most famous of California’s cypresses owing to its dramatic and picturesque growth form in windswept coastal settings. This cypress is easy to grow in mild climates and quickly was adopted for landscapes around the world. Many forms and selections have been introduced over the years. The goldcrest selection is unusual for its yellow-green foliage and dense, columnar growth form. ‘Wilma Goldcrest’ adds to these features a small stature of eight to ten feet. A compact native conifer is a rather rare thing. A compact, golden conifer is rarer still. Monterey cypress requires a mild climate with substantial coastal influence. Climate zones 15, 16, and 17 should be acceptable, but some afternoon shade protection is advisable in hotter settings.