Good conifers for small gardens

Choice conifers for smaller gardens

Derek Spicer, co-author of the RHS Encyclopedia of Conifers, picks some smaller conifers to add interest to the garden in winter.

There are plenty of familiar, easily-available conifer cultivars; some making wonderful new plants for gardens. My favourites are not dwarf, nor too large, but choice plants intended to make a sophisticated statement.

Plant conifers in a spot where they can be appreciated in the depths of winter when the snow is on the ground. They will be a focal point when all else has lost its leaves or retreated underground.

Taxus baccata 'Standishii'

This yew grows into a slow, rigidly-formal column that stays a deep bright-gold all year. Ideal as a focal point or a formal pair either side of the front door. Produces bright-red berries (harmful if eaten) as it matures. It grows to one metre after 10 years and you can keep it trimmed to size for the next 20 years.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis'

A sophisticated, architectural plant with cupped, dark green sprays. It's best grown as a specimen so its form can be fully appreciated. I was torn between this and ‘Nana Lutea’, its bright creamy-yellow counterpart. Both only reach up to 60-70cm (2-2¹/₂ft) after 10 years, to be savoured for the next 50 years.

Picea pungens ‘Globosa’

For the brightest of blues, Picea pungens is tops. Most of its cultivars are too tall but this one forms a solid, irregular globe only adding a few centimentres a year. Blue all year, brighter new growth in spring.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Minima Aurea’

A rich golden-yellow pyramid. Very formal, slow to establish but eventually makes a statement. There is a 70-year-old plant in my neighbourhood that has reached 2m (6¹/₂ft).