Conifers

False-cypresses Author: Richard Tame False-cypresses (genus Chamaecyparis) are a group of conifers with scale-like foliage that are well-known throughout the gardening world. Like the Leyland cypress, Chamaecyparis make good hedging plants, but are much slower growing than the former. In many ways this is a benefit, because Chamaecyparis hedges will not need to be trimmed as regularly. A short trim during late summer should be enough, although care should be taken not to over-prune, as Chamaecyparis, like many conifers, does not have the ability to sprout from old wood. Many Chamaecyparis cultivars, particularly C. obtusa ‘Nana’ and C. pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’ make excellent specimen plants. The smaller varieties are good for borders,or for planting in pots. Chamaecyparis are hardy plants and will tolerate low temperatures and most soil types. That said, although they can survive in alkaline soils such as chalk, these should generally be avoided in favour of acidic soils. These trees also tolerate a wide range of soil moisture – although extremely dry or extremely wet conditions may cause unnecessary stress. Most varieties can withstand some shade, although full sun is preferable. The following is a list of some of the Chamaecyparis cultivars sold at Arundel Arboretum. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) Originally from the Pacific coast of the USA, this tree can attain heights of 30 metres and above over many decades, owing to its slow growth. Alumigold A conical tree reaching heights of several metres, suitable for hedging, with yellow to pale green sprays. Columnaris Attractive blue foliage provides an interesting contrast to most hedging plants, a good choice for a slow-growing, low-maintenance hedge. Ellwoodii Compared to the flat scales of other C. lawsoniana cultivars, this plant has soft blue spines, giving it a rounded, almost fluffier appearance. Erecta Viridis A tall variety with the potential to grow over 20 metres, with dark green foliage.Suitable for hedging. Ivonne Almost identical properties to ‘Columnaris’, except for its light green foliage. Pelt’s Blue Distinctive blue foliage and small overall size (rarely growing over a few metres in height) make this variety a good specimen plant. Stardust Very similar in colour and height to ‘Alumigold’. Good for hedging. White Spot Small variety, with (as its name suggests) white flecks on the sprays. Not so suitable for hedging, but can be grown happily in small pots and beds. Chamaecyparis obtusa The hinoki cypress originates in Japan, and is well-known for its rot-resistant, aromatic wood which is used in Japan for temple construction. Draht A small, columnar shrub, usually no bigger than 2 metres. Its small size and slow growth make it an ideal choice for an urban garden or container. Nana A bushy, squat plant which makes an excellent ornamental/specimen plant but is not so good for hedging. Chamaecyparis pisifera Like C.obtusa, this tree is native to Japan, where it can reach heights of 30 metres. Boulevard A medium sized tree with dense, blue foliage. Suitable for hedging. Filifera Aurea Pretty, pendulous, golden foliage gives this variety its distinctive appearance.  Medium sized, good specimen tree. Filifera Nana Similar to ‘Filifera Aurea’, the main differences being its darker foliage and small size. Tolerant of shade and restricted space, making it a good pot plant.

The Leyland cypress Author: Richard Tame Cuprocyparis x leylandii (aka. Cupressocyparis leylandii) The Leyland cypress, which is a hybrid of the Nootka cypress and Monterey Cypress, is perhaps one of the most well-known conifers grown in gardens. It is an extremely vigorous shrub, easily outgrowing a small garden in 20 years if left unchecked. However, with proper annual care, Leylandii make excellent dense hedges – ideal for blocking noise and pollution from busy roads. Another advantage is that Leylandii are not fussy about soil condition and will thrive in a range of positions, regardless of soil pH or salt spray, although as a generalrule very wet soils should be avoided. Most leylandii are tolerant down to temperatures around -10 ̊C, so can be grown throughout most of Britain. Due to its rampant growth (a Leyland cypress can manage an astonishing 3 feet of growth per year in good soils), the Leyland cypress often gets bad press, but with regular trimming it can be easily managed. Trim a Leyland hedge at least once a year (preferably more) in late spring/early summer, although take care not to cut back to brown wood as the tree cannot sprout from older wood.Countless varieties exist, some of which are described in more detail below. A more comprehensive list of leylandii cypress sold at the arboretum can be found on the online shop.  Castlewellan Gold This variety has light green foliage with yellow-tinged tips. Makes good hedges. Gold Rider  Similar to Castlewellan Gold, with more of a yellow tinge. Makes good hedges. 

Cupressus sempervirens Totem is the Italian Pencil Cypress. It is a familiar sight in the Tuscan countryside. This conifer is a tall, narrow plant.  It has a very strict ascending habit and dark green foliage. They really make an architectural statement, especially when they are planted in pairs or rows. Their pencil thin form is very distinctive. Cupressus sempervirens Totem need plenty of water until they are established. Despite coming from Italy, they are fairly hardy and will grow successfully in the UK. They are an ideal conifer for formal gardens, planted in pairs for entrance ways or can even been kept successfully in pots. They are easy to keep trimmed to maintain their shape and will grow to 15m.

Juniperus virginiana ‘Skyrocket’ is an evergreen conifer. It has a tall, narrow and compact growth habit. The foliage is silvery-blue. This is maintained well throughout the year.  When the new growth appears during the summer, it will appear slightly brighter. Juniperus virginiana ‘Skyrocket’ is a wonderfully architectural tree. It will complement your garden well. The conifer will grow in full sun. This conifer has a maximum height of 8m and a width of 1m. It prefers a moist, well-drained fertile soil. Some pruning is desirable in the spring and autumn. This is to ensure your conifer maintains its compact, upright shape.

Pinus nigra ‘Austriaca’ is a very hardy evergreen conifer. The foliage consists of dense, green double needles which are longer and greener than Scots Pine. Pinus nigra ‘Austriaca’ thrives in full sun, and can tolerate tough and exposed conditions, including windy and coastal spots. The bark is grey. Once the tree is fairly mature, it will take on a stunning, pyramid-style shape. It produces brown cones are 5-9cm long. Pinus nigra ‘Austriaca’ has an eventual height of 20-30m.

Picea pungens ‘Glauca Globosa’  is a dwarf conifer, with a dense globed-shaped habit. The blue needles are attractive all year round, but are particularly bright and attractive in spring. It is a slow growing conifer, with an eventual height of 1m and a spread of 1.2m. Picea pungens ‘Glauca Globosa’ prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It prefers rich, moist soils which are free draining.