10 Reasons Why You Should Grow Coniferous Trees

One of the most criticized and misunderstood groups in the plant world can be is coniferous shrubs and trees. Popularly planted on front lawns and rockeries throughout suburbia, this group is still dealing with the effects of a hangover from the 70s. In addition to creating disputes among neighbors, the word “Conifer” has been associated with negative images of light-blocking, antisocial hedges that tower over boundaries of residential properties. A reputation that is very negative. 

However, these evergreen plants are likely to regain their popularity, given their low maintenance requirements combined with today’s busy lifestyles. Known to provide structure, texture and color, this diverse group has something for just about every situation.  

To avoid any unnecessary issues, just be sure to pick the right conifer for the setting in question and give it the same level of attention directed to other plants in the space. To find out more about this exciting plant group, and learn 10 reasons why you should grow conifers, continue reading.

1. Conifers Provide Structure 

The backbone of any garden is made up of evergreens, and the masters of evergreen are conifers! You can create the architecture and structure your garden needs for the entire year with the help of these stately shrubs and trees. When it comes to dotting the landscape with an essence of formality, you can use upright conifers. For a tall and evergreen exclamation mark, consider using the skyrocket – columnar Juniperus scopulorum – which is an ultra thin variant. 

Alternatively, if you have a smaller garden, you can opt for the Blue Arrow – Juniperus Scopulorum – to achieve a similar effect. It’s a great option for either side of the entranceway, given that it is a shorter variant. 

2. Evergreen Appearance  

Not all conifers are green in color. You can create a deep tapestry of yellow, cream, silver, gold and blue with the right combination. While J.W Daisy’s White – Picea glauca var. albertiana – has an attractive pale cream tint during spring, Goden Globe – Thuja occidentalis – adds a glistening splash of green-gold foliage to the garden. 

Across the seasons, some of these variants will provide a change of color. Before tunring to a plummy-bronze in the colder months of winter, Icee Blue – Juniperus horizontalis – has silvery blue new growth. 

All conifers are not evergreen – an important point to note. While it is still as colorful, the stately Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a deciduous conifer. Creating the perfect contrast with its russet-brown bark, which is furrowed and peeling, this tall tree normally turns gold and bright orange during autumn.    

3. Coniferous Trees Are Large Specimens 

If you are looking for great options for expansive estates, parks and gardens, be sure to consider coniferous trees. You are certain to find a few perfect examples if you look at any stately home in the United Kingdom. In their native homelands in the United States, giants like the Sequoiadendron giganteum – Sierra redwood – grow to towering heights in much drier conditions. They are certainly going to be one of the most prominent features in any landscape, even though it is unlikely that they will reach the same heights in the UK.  

Consider the Taxodium distichum – Swamp Cypress – if the soil is wet and boggy. You can enjoy a colorful feature during autum, thanks to its deciduous foliage and impressive red-brown bark. Growing to a height of about 6 feet (2m), the Pévé Minaret – Taxodium distichum – dwarf variant is a better fit for smaller gardens. 

The Himalayan Cedar, Cedrus deodara, is a great option for those looking for something with a graceful and weeping appeal. Characterized by blue-grey needles that make for a softer appearance, this Cedar creates an elegant drooping profile.  

4. Smaller Conifers For Smaller Gardens 

For those with smaller gardens, there are many dwarf conifer variants that make for low maintenance options on the opposite side of the scale. From the Aurea Nana – golden Platycladus orientalis – and the Conica – conical upright Picea glauca – to the Mops – Pinus mugo – and White Pygmy – mound forming Chamaecyparis pisifera, these variants come in all sizes and shapes.    

As great rockery plants, many of the Junipers are compact and characterized by slow growth. You can grow them in raised beds or big containers for a more contemporary appearance. Consider Pierrick Bregéon, for an oriental planting scheme.  

5. Keep Ground Cover Evergreen 

Great for weed smothering once they are established, there are numerous conifers that grow close to the ground, creating evergreen ground cover. Known for its feathery foliage that becomes bronze-purple during the winter months, Microbiota decussate is a low growing variant. 

Pancake – Juniperus horizontalis – Golden carpet – Juniperus horizontalis – and Rockery Gem – Juniperus Sabina, like most Junipers, are all characteristically low spreading. They will provide great low maintenance ground cover for borders and banks, on top of forming a vibrant mixture of colors when planted together.  

6. Prominent Cones 

You can also enjoy an attractive ornamental feature thanks to the striking cones produced by some conifers when the mature. With violet-blue cones remain on the branches well into the winter period after developing in summer, the Abies koreana – Korean Fir – is considered to be among the most captivating.  

Bearing its pink-red cones on gently hanging branches, Acrocona – Picea abies is graceful in appearance. Within its Yew-like foliage, the Tsuga Canadensis – Eastern Hemlock – produces a collection of small cones. 

7. Adding Texture To Your Garden 

You can create great texture in your garden and outdoor space with the help of conifers. You can achieve everything from the spiky texture of Little Gem – Picea abies – to the softness of Weithorst – Pinus x shwerinii – which is characterized by long needles that are dangling.  

While Smaragd – Thuja occidetalis – is characterized by a feathery appearance, Whipcord – Thuja plicata – has a unique braided appearance. The textural impact of the foliage of coniferous plants is fascinating, when planted together. To enjoy a one of a kind contrast to the flashy flowers of summer perennials, for several days, plant them close to each other if you have the space of only a few conifers.  

8. Easily Clipped Into Ornamental Shapes (Topiary) 

Yew, Taxus baccata is one of the best known conifers. This specific variant benefits greatly from being clipped closely. Making up a variety of shapes, including peacocks, spirals, balls, mazes and hedges among others, Yew has over the years become one of the most common plants in most majestic homes.  

There are many different types of Yew available, making it a varied and expansive genus. Summergold – Taxus baccata – can help you add some color and can look great light with solar garden lights. Alternatively, you can go for the Taxus baccata Fastigiata Aurea Group – Irish Yew – which has a tall columnar shape, if height is what you are after.  

For a better response to pruning and shaping, Guardsman – Podocarpus – is a slower growing unusual alternative to Yew. 

9.  Aromatic Foliage  

For a fragrant garden, you do not need showy flowers. A pungent smell is released when the aromatic foliage on many junipers is brushed past or crushed. When the foliage is crushed, Thujas are similarly aromatic. 

You can also enjoy a powerful and astringent aroma from Cedars and Pines, thanks to the strong terpenes they release to scent their sap. But, you will need to prune the plants to get the opportunity to enjoy this.  

10. Great Screening Properties 

In gardens, conifers are popularly used as screens or hedges. Creating a majestically dark hedge that can be clipped closely and providing maximum screening/privacy, Taxus baccata is at the top of all hedges. While the Leyland Cypress has been the traditional favorite, Pearly Swirls – Chamaecyparis lawsoniana – Lawson Cypress is a more fitting, smaller option. You don’t need the tallest conifer hedges every time. Tiny Tim – Thuja occidentalis – is a great option for those looking for a hedge that does not exceed 39 inches, or 1 meter in height. In addition to a compact and uniform growth habit that is easily kept under control, this short bushy variant also features appealing green foliage.

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