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golden cypress tree

The golden cypress tree is a standout in gardens across New Zealand, beloved for its vibrant golden foliage and easy-care nature. Whether you're looking to create a structured hedge, an eye-catching specimen tree, or a pop of year-round colour in the landscape, the golden cypress tree delivers undeniable impact. Perfect for both formal and informal garden designs, its graceful shape and brilliant hues bring warmth and vibrancy to outdoor spaces. If you’re considering adding a golden cypress tree to your property, understanding its characteristics, uses, and best companions will help you make the most of this stunning conifer.

Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' tree with yellow foliage.

Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' (Golden Tōtara)

5 from 1 customers

Podocarpus totara Aurea, commonly known as Golden Totara, features golden foliage composed of short, needle-like leaves held densely. It typically grows to 10 m in height and 3 m in width, and can be trimmed as necessary.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
cupressus-sempervirens-stricta-2

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

5 from 2 customers

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic architectural tree provides year round structure, privacy, and formality in NZ landscapes while also creating a striking vertical feature in modern and Mediterranean inspired gardens.

From $179.91

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 75 cm
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Architectural, Formal, Mediterranean, Modern
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Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold'

Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' is a stunning deciduous ornamental tree prized for its masses of rosy pink flowers that appear in early spring...

From$340.69
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Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls'

Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls' is a graceful weeping form of Bald Cypress, admired for its cascading branches, soft feathery foliage, and...

From$387.55
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Robinia 'Frisia'

Robinia 'Frisia' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its brilliant golden yellow foliage that provides vibrant colour from spring through autumn...

From$387.55
Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' specimen tree with bright yellow foliage.
Cotinus 'Golden Spirit'

Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' is a yellow Smoke Tree grown for its foliage and interesting flowers. The foliage is golden yellow and is held off multiple...

From$30.29
Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' specimen trees.
Quercus robur 'Fastigiata'

Quercus robur 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the English Columnar Oak or Cypress Oak, is a deciduous tree with lovely foliage and great form. This...

From$270.40
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Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Taxodium distichum (Swamp Cypress) is a magnificent deciduous conifer admired for its soft feathery foliage, strong upright form, and spectacular...

From$387.55
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Cupressus ovensii

Cupressus ovensii (Ovens Cypress) is a hardy evergreen conifer admired for its fine textured foliage and dense upright growth habit. This resilient...

From$28.91
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
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Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold'

Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold' is a striking Norway Maple prized for its brilliant golden yellow foliage that holds its colour through spring and...

From$349.95
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Malus 'Arrow Gold'

Malus 'Arrow Gold' (Golden Crabapple) is an attractive deciduous ornamental tree prized for its masses of white spring blossom, glossy green foliage...

From$387.55
Acer 'Shidava Gold' small tree with lush, green and yellow foliage.
Acer 'Shidava Gold'

Acer 'Shidava Gold' is a bright and elegant Japanese maple valued for its golden yellow foliage that brings light and contrast to garden spaces. This...

From$349.95
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
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Pear Taylors Gold

Pear 'Taylors Gold' is a premium deciduous fruit tree renowned for producing sweet juicy golden pears with exceptional flavour and texture. A...

From$404.59
Hedera 'Golden Ingot' plant with green and yellow foliage.
Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot'

Hedera helix ‘Golden Ingot’ is a striking evergreen ivy admired for its bright golden-yellow foliage edged with soft green tones. This compact and...

From$16.95
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Rhododendron Vireya 'Golden Charm'

Rhododendron Vireya 'Golden Charm' is a stunning tropical style shrub known for its bright golden yellow flowers that bring vibrant colour to NZ...

From$37.19
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Tilia europaea

Tilia europaea (Linden Tree) is a majestic deciduous shade tree admired for its broad canopy, heart shaped green leaves, fragrant summer flowers, and...

From$383.29
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Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

From$270.40
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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) yellow flower amidst lush, green foliage.
Liriodendron tulipifera

Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the Tulip Tree, is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its stately form and striking flowers. It...

From$387.55
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Magnolia 'Honey Tulip'

Magnolia 'Honey Tulip' is an outstanding deciduous tree renowned for its rich golden yellow, tulip shaped flowers that appear in early spring before...

From$515.35
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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
Fagus 'Dawyck Green' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green'

Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green', also known as Green Beech, is a stunning columnar tree with dense, glossy green foliage. Its upright, narrow growth...

From$270.40
Gardenia 'Golden Magic' plant featuring beautiful yellow flowers with dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Golden Magic'

Gardenia 'Golden Magic' is a unique evergreen shrub that produces highly fragrant white flowers which gradually turn golden yellow as they age...

From$18.95
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
cupressus-blue-ice-4
Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...

From$270.40
A Ginkgo biloba 'Little Weeper' tree in a mixed planting.
Ginkgo 'Little Weeper'

Ginkgo 'Little Weeper', commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is grown for its colourful foliage and weeping growth habit. This deciduous tree has...

From$387.55
A Ginkgo 'Jade Butterflies' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Ginkgo 'Jade Butterflies'

Ginkgo 'Jade Butterflies' is a smaller variety of Ginkgo biloba, grown for its showy and colourful foliage. This deciduous tree has distinctive...

From$387.55
Feijoa 'Golden Goose' fruit.
Feijoa 'Golden Goose'

Feijoa 'Golden Goose' is a vigorous, mid-season fruiting variety known for producing large, aromatic fruit with excellent flavour. It’s ideal for...

From$270.40
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
Plum 'Greengage' fruit.
Plum 'Greengage'

The ‘Greengage’ plum tree is a heritage variety prized for its lovely, green-skinned fruit with golden flesh. Renowned for its rich, honeyed flavour...

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Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' (Golden Tōtara)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cercis, Cotinus, and Cupressus, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Deciduous Conifers.

Search golden cypress tree

Features of the Golden Cypress Tree

Golden cypress trees feature lush, soft needles in shades of gold and yellow, which contrast beautifully with deeper greens and other landscape plants. Many golden cypress varieties are dense and compact, creating an ideal privacy screen or evergreen hedge. Their adaptability to various soil types, salt tolerance, and low maintenance requirements make the golden cypress tree a reliable choice for experienced gardeners and beginners alike. Regular trimming keeps them neat, but they also shine as unpruned specimens, where their natural shape can be fully appreciated.

Landscaping Uses and Companion Plants

From single specimens to mixed hedging and windbreaks, the golden cypress tree is incredibly versatile. For a harmonious and dynamic planting plan, pair it with other golden-foliaged trees like Podocarpus totara Aurea (Golden Tōtara) or Fraxinus excelsior aurea. These companions extend the golden theme throughout the landscape and create a stunning, cohesive effect across all seasons. For additional textural interest, contrast the golden tones with lush green or feathery foliage, such as the airy leaves of Robinia Frisia.

Similar Conifers and Alternatives

If you love the look of the golden cypress tree but want to add further conifer diversity to your garden, consider species like Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress). This deciduous conifer offers unique feathery foliage and striking autumn colour, perfect for water features and damp areas. The weeping form of Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls delivers a dramatic silhouette and softens hard landscapes with its cascading branches.

How to Grow and Care for Golden Cypress Trees

Golden cypress trees thrive best in full sun and well-draining soils. Plant in an open position where the bright foliage will catch the light and bring the most impact. While established golden cypress trees are drought-tolerant, young plants appreciate regular watering during their first year. Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser to keep growth lush and vibrant. Prune as needed to maintain your desired shape, whether formal hedge or natural specimen.

Shop Golden Cypress and Other Golden Trees

Ready to transform your garden with a golden cypress tree? Explore our range, or discover related species such as Podocarpus totara Aurea (Golden Tōtara), Fraxinus excelsior aurea, and Robinia Frisia. For those seeking unique shapes and beautiful texture, Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) and Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls offer striking alternatives to traditional golden conifers. Add year-round interest and vibrant colour to your garden with the golden cypress tree—an essential choice for Kiwi gardens.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

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Love Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi'? Then you’ll adore the quiet charm of Mesembryanthemum Purple Splendour, Apricot Sundrop, and Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant).
–The Plant Company

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