A diverse and wide-ranging plant to suit every garden

CONIFERS are so diverse in shape and from that they provide structure and interest to any garden and the wide range of conifers mean there are some available for most soil types and positions.

Most are evergreen and available in a range of colours: dark or light green, bluish silver or red autumnal tones. One may picture a towering Leyland cypress or Scot’s pine taking over their garden, but when it comes to conifers, there is an option for everyone: dwarf or slow-growing species can be selected for the smaller garden, patio or even balcony.

It is important to read up about the different varieties before planting as they should be selected based on their maximum height and growth rate, and of course, the space available. This information can usually be found on the label or can be researched. There are specialist conifer nurseries which are worth contacting and many offer a wider and more unusual range of varieties.

At RHS Garden Harlow Carr, a range of smaller conifers can be seen growing in the limestone beds outside the historic Bath House. They work well in a rock garden, adding height to an otherwise low area. The year-round greenery softens the expanse of rocks and complements the alpine flowers and bulbs.

The most popular of the dwarf conifers is a Juniper called Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’ that forms a tight, silver column up to 90cm. There are a few pines such as Pinus leucodermis ‘Compact Gem’ growing to two metres in a pyramidal shape with dark green needles or Pinus strobus ‘Tiny Curls’ with long twisted green-bluish needles that grow to 90cm. The spruce Picea abies ‘Pusch’ is low growing with short, green needles on distinct branches with red cones, also growing up to 90cm. The fir, Abies koreana ‘Silberpearl’ has a compact, globular shape and features short, rounded dark green needles that are bright white underneath. The Podocarpus chilinus ‘County Park Fire’ signals the changing seasons with foliage that turns bronze for winter.

The Alpine House at Harlow Carr has some fine examples of smaller sized conifers. Some of my favourites include: Cedrus libani ‘Sargentii’ with its drooping green branches; the small standing bush Pinus leucodermis ‘Pygmy’ with its long upright needles; and the Picea mariana ‘Nana’ forming neat, rounded growth with very small, mid-green needles.

Many conifers are planted in traditional alpine stone troughs and can look great grown in containers as a stand-alone feature or as a central specimen for seasonal plants. Dwarf cypress are often chosen for their neat, upright growth and different varieties have a more blue or yellow hue, looking effective when planted around with ivy and pansies for a winter display. When they’ve finished flowering, the pansies can be replaced with flowers for the next season such as primroses in spring, marigolds in summer or cyclamen in autumn.

For a more permanent pot display, try mixing with smaller grasses such as Pennisetum setacum or Carex comans or leafy perennials such as hosta, heuchera or bergenia. Bulbs can be added, such as daffodils or crocus, giving you spring colour year after year.

With container care - particularly with thirsty woody plants such as conifers - watering is essential. Check the pot’s moisture levels regularly and don’t allow to dry out completely, except during freezing conditions. A thick layer of gravel or bark mulch can be added to help reduce water loss through evaporation. This is true when planted in the ground also. A controlled-release fertiliser can be added to the growing media when potted up and all-purpose fertilisers used in the summer; make sure you follow the instructions on the product’s packaging. Dwarf conifers will do well for several years in a container before they need repotting, making them an excellent choice for a small container display.