Top 5... winter conifers
Make a feature of these compact varieties with dramatic cones and seasonal tints
1 Abies koreana ‘Silberlocke’
Pyramidal, slow-growing, bushy form of Korean fir with curling blue needles, white beneath giving a frosted look. Clusters of oval, purple cones produced from an early age. RHS award-winning variety. Any moist, well-drained soil, but best if slightly acidic, in sun. H: 1.8m (6ft), S: 1.5m (5ft) in 20 years.
Tip For best growth don’t crowd with other shrubs.
From www.bluebellnursery.com; tel: 01530 413700.
2 Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans Compacta’
Form of Japanese cedar of pyramidal habit. Feathery, green foliage turns bronze in autumn and purple in winter. RHS awardwinning variety. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 2.5m (8ft) in 20 years.
Tip Plant in a sheltered position out of strong wind.
From www.ashwoodnurseries.com; tel: 01384 401996.
3 Pinus mugo ‘Winter Gold’
Very slow-growing pine producing a rounded or globular bun of leaves. Foliage turns bright yellow from autumn throughout winter. Any moist, welldrained soil, even chalk, in sun. H/S: H/ 1.2m (4ft) after 20 years. Tip Ideal for planting in a rock or gravel garden. From www.holdencloughnursery.com; A la m tel: 01200 447615. y
4 Pinus parviflora ‘Tempelhof’
Pyramidal, multi-branched variety of Japanese white pine. Narrow, blue-green foliage has a tousled appearance. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun. Long-lasting displays of cones. H: 2.5m (8ft), S: 1.8m (6ft) in 20 years. Tip Salt tolerant so ideal for coastal gardens.
From www.ornamental-trees.co.uk; tel: 01943 660870.
5 Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Tuffet’
Rounded, pillow-like habit formed from narrow, lacy sprays of foliage, yellow in spring, deepening to orange and bronze in winter. RHS award-winning variety. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun. H/S: 75cm (2½ft) in 10 years.
Tip: Ideal for providing colourful globes of evergreen foliage.
From www.thompson-morgan.com; tel: 0844 573 1818.