All Conifers

Taxus x Media 'Hillii' is a cultivar of the Taxus x Media hybrid, which is a cross between Taxus baccata (English yew) and Taxus cuspidata (Japanese yew). It is a popular evergreen shrub in the horticultural industry, prized for its dense, upright growth habit and attractive appearance.

One of the defining characteristics of 'Hillii' is its dense, dark green foliage. The needle-like leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches, creating a lush and vibrant display. The foliage retains its color throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for providing year-round interest in the garden.

This cultivar is known for its compact and upright growth habit. It typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) and a spread of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters), forming a narrow columnar shape. The dense branching pattern contributes to its neat and formal appearance, making it an ideal choice for hedges, screens, or borders.

In addition to its ornamental value, Taxus x Media 'Hillii' also produces small, round berries. These berries start out green and eventually mature to a striking red color, adding a pop of color to the shrub. However, it's important to note that the berries are toxic if ingested, so caution should be exercised if there are children or pets in the vicinity.

One of the advantages of 'Hillii' is its versatility in various growing conditions. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, although it prefers some protection from intense afternoon sun in hot climates. Once established, 'Hillii' is relatively low-maintenance and can withstand pruning to maintain its desired size and shape.

Overall, Taxus x Media 'Hillii' is a popular choice for those seeking an attractive, compact, and easy-to-grow evergreen shrub. Its dense, dark green foliage, upright growth habit, and small red berries make it a versatile and visually appealing addition to gardens, providing year-round interest and beauty.

Picea abies, commonly known as the Norway spruce, is a prominent coniferous tree native to Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. Recognisable by its tall, symmetrical shape and dense, evergreen foliage, it often reaches heights of 35–55 metres, with some specimens growing even taller under optimal conditions. The Norway spruce is widely planted in Europe and North America, not only for ornamental and landscaping purposes but also for timber production, given its straight grain and versatility. Its wood, known as "whitewood," is prized in the construction industry and is also used in the manufacture of paper and musical instruments.

The tree's bark is brown to reddish and scaly, becoming rougher as it ages. Its branches grow in horizontal layers, with pendulous branchlets giving the tree a slightly weeping appearance. Needles are dark green, pointed, and around 1–2 cm in length. Cones are one of its defining features, typically measuring 10–18 cm, with a cylindrical shape and rounded, overlapping scales that turn brown as they mature.

Picea abies is hardy, thriving in a range of climates and soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic soils and benefits from full sun. In colder climates, it is often cultivated as a Christmas tree due to its classic conical form and appealing fragrance. However, it requires ample space for its expansive root system, making it unsuitable for small gardens.

Ecologically, the Norway spruce plays an essential role in forest ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species.