Dwarf Leyland Cypress

‘Reco’ is the cultivar denomination for Shorty Leyland cypress, a compact selection of the Leyland cypress hybrid. It grows upright in a dense, conical form with green to blue-green scale-like foliage and is suited to small gardens or low screens. ## Form and size The plant patent records a slow-growing, upright cone that reached about 1.5 metres tall and 40 centimetres wide after six years in a field planting. North Carolina Extension lists a broader mature range of 5–10 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide. The patent measurement records an early field planting, while the extension range describes a mature garden plant. Allow room for the plant to exceed its early field dimensions. ## Site and uses Grow in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. The patent reports hardiness in USDA Zones 6–9. Extension guidance lists the selection for containers, small spaces, specimen use, and low hedges. The name Shorty is used as the trade name, while ‘Reco’ is the patent denomination. Sources: [U.S. plant patent PP19618](https://patents.justia.com/patent/PP19618), [NC State Extension Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/x-hesperotropsis-leylandii-reco/), [SiteOne product data](https://www.siteone.com/en/89645b-cupressocyparis-leylandii-shorty-leyland-cypress/p/749518). ## Maintenance Water regularly as the plant establishes and keep the soil from becoming waterlogged. Its compact shape can reduce the need for frequent pruning. If using it as a hedge, trim lightly to maintain the desired outline and avoid cutting back into bare interior wood.