Conifers And Pollen.

This year’s rather harsh, cold winter has produced a few surprises in the GardenAdvice garden as many plants seem to have produced an abundance of spring flowers which seem more colourful and vibrant compared with the last few years. Perhaps it is just the hard winter that has made us view this spring display through ‘rose-tinted glasses’. However, it is often the case that when a plant becomes stressed by severe winter conditions, or other reasons, such as drought, it will produce more seed producing flowers, in an attempt to ensure survival of the species. This has been particularly noticed in the chamaecyparis group of conifers, which have become so loaded with pollen that the slightest touch or whisper of wind, will release a cloud of pollen (very often red) into the air. You will have your job cut out for you if you unwittingly park your car near a conifer on a windy day! And this spring may well produce more than its usual number of hay fever sufferers.