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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: 5.00 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: 12.50 m
Spread: 2.25 m
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Architectural, Formal, Mediterranean, Modern
cercis-hearts-of-gold-
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
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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
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
Hemerocallis 'Golden Zebra' plant with yellow flowers.
Hemerocallis 'Golden Zebra'

Hemerocallis 'Golden Zebra' is a striking daylily admired for its golden yellow flowers and attractive variegated arching foliage. Flowering through...

From$19.25
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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
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$279.95
cupressus-ovensii-3
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
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
Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees in a garden.
Cupressus 'Totem'

Cupressus 'Totem', otherwise known as the Totem Cypress, is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It...

From$37.19
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
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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
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Epipremnum 'Golden Queen'

Epipremnum 'Golden Queen' adds distinctive interest to NZ planting. This variety stands out for its vibrant colouring and adaptability to a wide...

From$33.05
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$17.95
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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
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow'

Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its bright foliage and easy care nature. The narrow, arching leaves form a...

From$24.95
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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
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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
Leucadendron 'Golden Tulip' stunning yellow flowers.
Leucadendron 'Golden Tulip'

Leucadendron 'Golden Tulip' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its vibrant golden bracts that resemble tulip shaped blooms. This eye catching...

From$34.43
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
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
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
Ginkgo Ming Princess small tree.
Ginkgo 'Ming Princess'

Ginkgo 'Ming Princess' is a compact, ornamental form of the ancient ginkgo tree, valued for its fan shaped leaves and brilliant golden yellow autumn...

From$270.40
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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
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' (Golden Tōtara)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Love Rhododendron 'Black Magic' and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)? Then you’ll adore the quiet charm of Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter', Salvia chamaedryoides, and Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'.
–The Plant Company

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