About CONIFERS

Thanks to the plant breeders and collectors of the past, today's gardeners have a wide range of conifers to choose from. With a wide variety of shapes and sizes, foliage types and colours there is truly something to suit ever garden here. Conifers are hardy plants and will tolerate exposure and most soil conditions. Soil preparation is essential though, as they do not like to be planted in heavy or waterlogged soil. Keep the area around the base of the plant weed free until it is established. Water in dry periods as well.

Pruning depends on the effect you want to get. Hedging needs to be cut back regularly, once it has reached its ultimate height. Removing branches right back to the centre of the plant can contain spreading conifers. Never trim conifers back beyond the foliage as you will get no further growth and will be left with a bare stem. Only yew and juniper will grow back.

SUGGESTED USES FOR CONIFERS:

Conifers suitable for hedging and screening:
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
Chamaecyparis l. Erecta Viridis
Chamaecyparis l. Fletcheri
Chamaecyparis l. Lanei
X Cupressoscyparis leylandii
X Cupressoscyparis leylandii 'Castlewellen'
Pinus nigra
Taxus baccata
Thuja plicata Atrovirens

Dwarf and slow growing conifers:
Chamaecyparis l. Ellwoodii
Chamaecyparis l. Ellwoods Gold
Picea glauca albertiana Conica
Pinus mugo
Taxus baccata Fastigiata Aurea

Conifers suitable for ground cover:
Juniperus horizontalis Bar Harbour
Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip
Juniperus x pfitzeriana Old Gold
Juniperus sabina Tamariscifolia
Juniperus squamata Blue Carpet
Juniperus squamata Blue Star
Juniperus virginiana Grey Owl