I am in South Carolina zone 7b. I read where Carolina Sapphire Cypress grows faster than Leylands and wondered if that is accurate. Also, I was wondering if Cryptomeria Yoshino would grow as fast, too. I planted 8 - 2 gallon container grown Cryptomeria Yoshino last January and have seen just a little growth in them. I am hoping they are working on their root systems and will take off next spring. They are in full sun.
I'd go for the Cryptomeria. Leyland Cypress may be a little faster, but it is very disease-prone in your summer heat-humidity combination and may not survive for very long (check out Seiridium canker).
Unfamiliar with Cryptomeria. Of the other two, Leyland Cypress grows faster here. However, note that there are a few Arizona Cypress approaching 70 ft tall in Waco and Killeen and several in the 40-60 ft. range. There are no Leyland Cypress of that size here. Leyland Cypress seems very susceptible to damage during our summer dry spells, whereas Arizona Cypress seems to take it all in stride. Of the two trees, in this area, Arizona Cypress has a proven track record of success, whereas Leyland does not.
