The word conifer has become associated with the ubiquitous Leylandii. However, there is a huge variety of more “user friendly” types to utilise for different effects and purposes. From the gracefully arching branches of Cedrus deodora to the soft feathery foliage of Cryptomerias, there is a Conifer available to suit most gardens.
The Silver Fir is a tall conical shape with a straight trunk, it has glossy dark green needles with whitish undersides, it produces green cones which change to reddish brown as they ripen. It needs good soil depth, drainage and moisture retention.
Sizes available from 1.5m in height plus.
The Juniper is a slow growing and long-lived species of evergreen tree, with needle like foliage at first then developing shorter scale like leaves with age. The Juniper produces a bluish or reddish seed cone known as a berry. It will grow in most soils and is very drought resistant.
Sizes available from 3m in height plus, 50cm plus for dwarf varieties.
The Monkey Puzzle Tree has sharp closely-set leaves which clothe the branches. The globular cones are carried high on the crowns of mature trees. It will grow in a range of soils, but prefers deep, moist well drained soil and full sun.
Sizes available from 1m in height plus.
The Cedar is a member of the pine family and has needle-like leaves arranged in rosettes, the seed cones are barrel shaped and bluish or brownish in colour. It requires full sun and a well drained soil.
Sizes available from 2m in height plus.
Chamaecyparis is the most popular evergreen tree in Britain. They come in all shapes and sizes and colours from small low growing to tall growing over 60m. They all grow well in in moist well drained soil.
Sizes available from 2m in height plus.
The Japanese Cedar is fast growing, the branches are clothed in short, leathery needle leaves that are densely overlapping and curve inward slightly. It prefers fertile, moist but well drained soil and full sun or part-shade also it is very frost hardy.
Sizes available from 1.5m in height plus.
The Chinese Fir will provide a unusual and attractive specimen tree, it has a pyramid of branches which are densely clothed with bright green and lustrous leaves. It requires full sun and shelter from cold winds.
Sizes available from 2m in height plus.
The Leyland Cypress is a vigorous upright tree with a slightly irregular outline, the foilage is deep green or slightly greyish, it is a cross between a Nootka Cypress and a Montery Cypress, and is very good in windswept conditions and thrives in full sun or partial shade.
Sizes available from 3m in height plus.
The Cypress is a handsome ornamental tree and comes in many foliage forms ranging from tall to dwarf, from columns to weeping, there dense foliage quick growth makes them a good screen or windbreak. They generally require full sun, well drained soil and protection from cold winds.
Sizes available from 3m in height plus, 1m plus for dwarf varieties.
The Maidenhair Tree is unlike any other conifer. It has fan shaped leaves pale green turning golden yellow, there are no cones, but plum shaped fruits . It needs shelter from strong winds and grows best in deep fertile soil.
Sizes available from 14 to 16cm girth, 3m in height plus.
The Juniper is a slow growing and long lived species of evergreen tree, with needle like foliage at first then developing shorter scale like leaves with age. The Juniper produces a bluish or reddish seed cones known as a berry. It will grow in most soils and a very drought resistant.
Sizes available from 3m in height plus, 50cm plus for dwarf varieties.
This prehistoric tree is known from fossils and first appeared in British gardens in 1948 with the earliest specimens now over 25m. It is a quick growing conical tree which grows best in moist, free draining soil.
Sizes available from 3m in height plus.
Most common being the Christmas tree picea abies, most are conical with branches arranged in whorls. The spruce tolerates well in poor conditions and will succeed in wet and cold soils.
Sizes available from 2m in height plus, 1m plus for dwarf varieties.
Most famously known as the worlds tallest tree with the current record standing at 366ft. There are some dwarf varieties which will need pruning every year.
Sizes available from 2.5m in height plus.
The name originates from an Indian Sequoyah and its common name is derived from the Duke of Wellington. The Wellingtonia is the worlds largest living thing with a girth which can grow to 80ft around.
Sizes available from 2m in height plus.
Mostly seen as hedging in old gardens or churchyards, varieties range in colour from dark green to gold. Yew is less demanding than most conifers and will grow in shade but does like well drained soil.
Sizes available from 1.2m in height plus.
The Thuja is very similar looking to the Chamaecyparis with branches covered in tiny scale like leaves. They like well drained soil and will grow in some shade and make excellent hedges.
Sizes available from 2m in height plus.
