Botanical Name: Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Wilma’
Common Names: Wilma Cypress, Wilma Goldcrest, Lemon Cypress ‘Wilma’, Golden Monterey Cypress ‘Wilma’
📌 Product Description
Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Wilma’ is a compact, bright golden evergreen conifer known for its vibrant foliage and naturally narrow, columnar growth habit. A selected form of Monterey Cypress, ‘Wilma’ maintains a strong upright structure and produces fine, soft-textured foliage that emits a light lemon fragrance when brushed.
Its intense yellow-green colour remains attractive year-round, especially in full sun. Compared to standard ‘Goldcrest’, ‘Wilma’ is typically more compact and dense, making it especially suitable for containers, entrance features, and smaller garden spaces.
A popular choice in South African gardens, ‘Wilma’ offers bold colour contrast and architectural form with minimal maintenance.
📏 Size When Fully Grown
Height: 2 – 3 m
Spread: 60 cm – 1 m
Growth Habit: Narrow, columnar evergreen conifer
Growth Rate: Moderate
🌱 Best Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun (essential for best golden colour)
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
Water:
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring to maintain strong colour and healthy growth.
Maintenance:
🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)
Best Planting Time: Spring or early autumn
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Climate Suitability: Suitable for most temperate and coastal regions of South Africa
Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost once established
Wind Tolerance: Moderate; protect from very strong inland winds
🌼 Additional Benefits
🌿 Ideal Uses
✔ Feature container plant
✔ Entrance statement planting
✔ Small garden focal point
✔ Formal garden structure
✔ Mediterranean and modern landscapes


