Commercialisation
In 1925, a firm of commercial nurserymen specialising in conifers were looking for a breed which was fast growing, and could be deployed in hard to grow windy and salty areas such as Cornwall. Eventually they found the six original trees developed by Leyland, and began propagating the species. In 1953, a freak tornado blew down one of the original trees at Haggerston (the other original five trees still survive), on which the research division of the Forestry Commission started developing additional hybrids. Commercial nurseries spotted the plant’s potential, and for many years it was the biggest-selling item in every garden centre in Great Britain, making up to 10% of their total sales.
It continues to be a popular plant for cultivation in parks and gardens. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, as has the cultivar 'Gold rider'.
Read more about this topic: Leyland Cypress