Coniferous low-growing plants for the garden. The smallest coniferous trees for small summer cottages. Shade-tolerant coniferous plants for the garden
Nothing brightens up flower beds like miniature conifers. For small gardens, most of them are a real salvation, as they take up little space and are very decorative. Without them, the design of flower beds, rockeries or any element of landscape design now looks incomplete and boring.
Juniper Compressa
- Almost all species are evergreen, although the color can be different and decorative throughout the year.
- Almost all of them are adapted to our cold climate, and even if they are not, they are easy to cover for the winter.
- Caring for them is much easier, since there is no need to form a crown.
- They are planted in areas of any size.
Dwarf types of coniferous plants for the garden
So, we have a choice of dwarf species of pine, spruce, juniper, fir, thuja, dwarf. Round, cone-shaped, creeping along the ground, from 50 cm to 1.5 m high, they look elegant and unusual all year round.
Black spruce Nana
They also differ in the height and shape of the crown, the length and color of the needles. Varieties with golden, yellow, blue, and silver-gray needles have been developed. And how many shades of green they produce on the site!
In modern breeding, the following classification of trees and shrubs is practiced:
- Dwarf - annual growth 8-15 cm;
- Miniature - growth 3-8 cm per year;
- Microscopic - growth of no more than 3 cm per year.
The largest number of varieties of ornamental plants were produced by pine and spruce. For example, the Winter Gold pine changes the color of its foliage - it is green in summer and turns golden in winter.
common spruce
Spruce Glauca (blue) Conica
- Spruce Glauca (gray) Conica - regular cone-shaped crown, dense bright green needles.
- Maxwelli - cushion-shaped, rounded crown, no more than 1.5 m high, dark green prickly needles with a yellowish tint.
- Nidiformis - the shape of its crown resembles a nest, the needles are a beautiful rich green color.
- Little Gem - flat-rounded crown with a nesting depression, fluffy and thick needles with very thin needles.
- Reflexa is a creeping bush.
- Repens is a creeping species, no more than 50 cm high, the color of the needles is from yellow-green to dark green.
- Pygmaea - its height does not exceed 100 cm, the needles are green.
- Glauca Globosa - rounded crown, blue needles.
- Moll - wide-conical crown with beautiful blue-white needles.
Juniper
Juniper horizontalis Glauca
- Common juniper Compressa – columnar shape, gray-green needles.
- Glauca is a creeping species with a blue hue.
- Juniper scaly Meyeri is an upright bush with blue foliage with a steel tint.
Pine
Thuja Little Gem
- Nana is a compact bush with bluish-green needles.
- Compressa - columnar-shaped crown.
- Mountain pine Mops - round crown.
- Brevifolia is a compact, barrel-shaped bush with dark green needles.
- Winter Gold is a spherical bush whose needles change color. In summer it is green in color, and in winter it is golden.
- Shrub pine Gnom is a spherical bush with dark green foliage.
Cedar dwarf
- Glauca is a multi-stemmed compact bush with bluish foliage.
Thuja occidentalis
- Ellwangeriana Aurea - bright golden needles with a copper tint.
- Rosenthali is a columnar-shaped bush.
Fir
- Balsam fir Hudsoniana – no more than 30 cm high.
- - up to half a meter high with amazingly beautiful cones.
Canadian hemlock
- Pendula - with a spreading crown of a weeping shape.
When choosing seedlings, check the names of suitable coniferous trees for the garden, their varieties and find out how much they will grow on your site.
Where to plant
The advantage of small species of shrubs is that they do not need to be cut; they look beautiful almost anywhere against the background of low flowers or in a composition with taller shrubs.
They look especially impressive in a combination of greenery and stones. A small conifer planted in the center of the flowerbed will give it additional charm. And creeping species will cover not-so-beautiful areas of land.
If it is intended to create from several types decorative composition, consider how they will look in 5-10-15 years. Holes for planting must be dug “for growth” so that after a few years the plants do not interfere with each other.
Mountain pine Sherwood Compact
Consider the vertical profile of the composition in advance, because they will all stretch out differently.
Do not plant dwarf conifers in the shade of deciduous trees. Falling leaves create a favorable background for the proliferation of pests.
Caring for dwarfs
Most evergreens are drought sensitive. They are watered not only at the roots, but it is advisable to give them a shower along the needles, the so-called sprinkling.
They need soil that is not too fertile, but they require more light.
To prevent young shoots from getting a spring burn, it is worth wrapping the crown of decorative spruce and pine trees (especially green ones) with burlap at the end of winter, and in April remove it, gradually.
In conifers, the root system is located very close to the surface. Therefore, to avoid damaging the sensitive roots, it is good to lay a tiled path along the planting.
Juniper horizontal Wiltoni
Coniferous trees for the garden are also good because you don’t have to remove fallen leaves. And the use of creeping varieties when decorating flower beds can replace mulching.
They try to structure each garden around some kind of supporting point, some kind of skeleton, which can be artificially created like a sculpture, a fountain, or natural in the form of an evergreen plant. Nowadays, greater preference is given to coniferous trees and shrubs, especially their dwarf versions, which also retain beautiful decorative properties all year round, regardless of season. Dwarf conifers for the garden 55 photos of landscape design ideas.
In fact, dwarf and creeping conifers are extremely rare in the wild, inferior to their giant relatives. Miniature plants are generally created artificially based on structural anomalies known as “witches' brooms” by grafting cuttings onto prepared rootstock of the desired species. The second popular method of growing “dwarfs” is cross-pollination of conifers in a nursery. Coniferous plants for the garden photo:
Amateur gardeners understand by the name - dwarf plants - flora that in adulthood does not exceed the height of human height, that is, almost two meters. Dwarf conifers and shrubs for the garden do not require annual pruning, they tolerate shape-correcting topiaries well, are unpretentious to the soil, and most of them tolerate shade and frost well. Thanks to the wide variety of crown shapes and needle colors, they represent serious tools for work landscape designers.
Often, decorative coniferous trees for the garden find their home on alpine hills, rockeries or other types of rocky gardens. In these options, they act as the center of the composition, grouping other types of plants around themselves; it is worth taking advantage of all the richness of colors and forms of coniferous dwarfs. If you skillfully use the principle of different heights, you can avoid monotony and create several original viewpoints at once. 
Traditionally, low-growing conifers for the garden are taken for the construction of borders and the organization of hedges of low and medium height. Forms with dense bushes of cypress, spruce, juniper, and western thuja beg to be used in borders. Medium hedges can be formed by common spruce, yew, and junipers with a crown in the form of columns. 
An environment of heathers will help to emphasize the graceful appearance of low-growing coniferous trees. The entrance to the estate in the form of a thuja arch will look stylish, and the approaches to the porch of the house will be decorated with common spruce and prickly spruce in containers. Coniferous plants for the garden photo:
Trees in garden landscape design
Large trees, trees more than two meters in height, as well as coniferous trees for the garden, are widely used in landscape design. When carrying out landscaping work in city parks, almost always, so as not to disturb the green interior", large trees are planted with old-time trees. On private country estates, adult plants with a properly formed crown can also act as hedges. In both cases, tree planting is carried out in accordance with the texture and habitation characteristics of permanent natural representatives. 
Landscape large trees and dwarf conifers for the garden are grown in nurseries, from where they are delivered to a new planting site. Companies that sell large trees monitor the quality of the specimens they offer. On their websites, they post offers for the sale of trees of various species without trade markups. See below for low-growing conifers for the garden: 
The degree of survival of trees in a new location is influenced by such factors as resistance to tree insects, general condition, compliance with all standards during cultivation, digging from the ground, transportation and final planting; also take into account the location, where it is better to plant shade-loving conifers for the garden, and where sun loving people. 
Nursery specialists advise purchasing large-sized ones in the winter. Planting trees in winter ensures a high survival rate in a new area.
Winter planting is recommended after slight freezing of the soil. The optimal planting period is from late autumn to early spring at temperatures from -15 0C. Since coniferous trees for the garden at this moment are in a state of deep dormancy, its root system is less susceptible to various damages, and the chances of taking root in a new place increase exponentially.
It is worth taking into account the fact that in winter the root system of the tree freezes completely. This process occurs gradually, with the air temperature significantly lower than the ground temperature. When digging up plants, their roots are protected with an earthen lump, the size of which should correspond to their size. If you allow the coma to weather and freeze, the root system will die. Accordingly, the tree will not wake up in the spring. 
Modern landscape design is unthinkable without majestic spruce trees, luxurious thujas, mighty oaks, serious larches, frivolous pines; dwarf conifers for the garden are also always held in high esteem. Woody compositions of large trees are a timid reminder of the forest, noisy and green in summer, silent and thoughtful in winter. Coniferous plants for the garden photo:
The selection of coniferous species went in many directions, and as a result, over many decades, a huge selection of ornamental cultivars has formed in the world’s treasury. Their assortment gradually grew with varieties both with regular geometric shapes and, conversely, with bizarre growth anomalies. Variations with colored needles - yellow and golden, silver and blue - have become very popular. Breeders paid close attention to specimens with a slow growth rate and correspondingly smaller dimensions, which became the ancestors of the varieties grouped into the dwarf group.
They were found among almost all cultivated species of spruce, pine, fir, larch, thuja, juniper, hemlock, yew, etc. Over time, such compact, small and miniature varieties became more and more numerous, and interest in them does not wane in our time. Perhaps this is natural: such an extraordinary appearance and special beauty cannot but evoke amazement and admiration, moreover, even a passion for collecting! There are also rational factors: these original beauties show themselves from an early age and for many years maintain an unusual habit, attracting glances; they do not require much space and at the same time have all the decorations inherent in large varieties.
It is impossible to imagine a modern Russian garden today without conifers, although we really got to know them relatively recently. Characteristic. that dwarf varieties have also become popular and desirable among us, owners of predominantly small gardens. My personal attitude towards them is also not without enthusiasm, only strengthened by many years of experience. In my garden they occupy the most prominent place and have almost the largest proportion among other plants.
However, problems arose with dwarfs at one time. It was not a matter of agricultural technology or diseases, but of a fundamentally incorrect placement in the garden landscape. The reason was that the concept of “dwarf conifers” turned out to be collective in practice, and more accurate growth parameters were not available even for standard planting material. This turned out to be that pine, spruce and thuja, acquired as “dwarfs,” behaved completely differently. One gained 10 cm in all directions in the first year, another gained 2 cm, and the third gained all 20 cm in height.
In the rainy years, the growth rate of the leaders only increased; as a result, the layout of the planned small group completely fell apart, and everything had to be replanted.
Even today one encounters a free interpretation of terms or their formal translation into Russian in the literature, and even more so in the trading network. A classification of the growth characteristics of dwarf varieties, so necessary for design, in fact already exists, but has not yet become publicly available. The Dutch Society of Conifer Lovers, one of the most authoritative, proposed the most rational detailing of dwarf varieties. These are actual dwarfs (dwarf) with an increase of 8-15 cm/year, mini-dwarfs (mini) with an increase of 3-8 cm/year and microdwarfs (micro), whose increase does not exceed 3 cm/year.
If you can’t get information about a curious miniature you’re interested in either from a consultant at a garden center or on the Internet, it’s worth looking at the plant and eyeballing the size of the current and last year’s growth from the guide or, in his absence, from the side shoots.
The optimal algorithm for working with a decorative dwarf is to find out everything about it, then plant it.
There are at least two options: pass by or take a closer look at the seedling. The first thing we look at is whether it has a good label with the full name of the plant's species, genus and cultivar. At least in Latin, additionally in Russian, and if the supplier nursery is also indicated, then best way out- conduct your own “investigation” about the future fate of potential pets. What should be the subject of our special attention?
The best approach is to understand which group a particular variety belongs to. Over many decades, specialists in decorative conifers have developed a fairly logical system for classifying their extensive varietal assortment - according to the size of annual growth. This method of division gives a good idea of what the tree will become after a certain time, for example, at 10 years of age. A convenient scheme for dividing into 5 groups:
- Full-grown. The growth is more than 30 cm/year, the size at 10 years is more than 3 m.
- Medium-sized and semi-dwarf (semidwarj). Growth - 15-30 cm/year.
- Dwarf (dwarf). Growth - 8-15 cm/year.
- Miniature (mini). Growth - 3-8 cm/year.
- Microscopic (micro). Growth is less than 1-3 cm/year.
Depending on the crown shape characteristic of a given variety (cone, pillar, ball cushion, etc.), using simple arithmetic operations, you can estimate the perspective dimensions of each tree along the main dimension and correctly fit it into the garden landscape.
When creating a mixed group of coniferous plants, it is important not only to create a beautiful spatial and color composition, but also to correctly arrange the plants in it, taking into account the dynamics of their growth and potential sizes. When planting young seedlings, we focus primarily on these characteristics, and not on their current size. Here, playing blindly is unacceptable, and if the parameters are known for each variety, then the problem is easily solved - on the plan we estimate the diameter for each unit after 5-10-15 years, and on the frontal sketch - their profiles (height plus width).
Mini- and especially micro-dwarfs, due to their very modest size, require a well-thought-out landing site. The best option for them - a rock garden, or rocky garden, where both technical and aesthetic problems are solved. In the stones they have good conditions for life and prosperity, the stones create an ideal background, the harsh power of which emphasizes the grace of green miniatures, and visually isolates them from neighboring plantings. Miniature varieties also look good in a group next to other dwarfs on an area mulched, for example, with pine bark.
The richest species of conifers in dwarf varieties is mountain pine (Pinus mugo). In nature, it produces many growth modifications, the best of which became the ancestors of popular cultivars. An extensive range is presented in all height categories. Among the dwarfs, the most famous are “Gnom”, “Mops”, “Winter Gold”. The number of miniature varieties with a dense spherical crown amounts to many dozens; there are also unique microvarieties - “Frodo”, “Kaktus”, “Mini Mini”.
Canadian blue spruce (Picea glauca)- a textbook example from the history of ornamental gardening. At the beginning of the 20th century, a dwarf anomalous specimen with a dense crown and soft thin needles was found among typical trees. From him came the famous Picea glauca Albertiana Conica, propagated over a hundred years in multi-million copies and giving new interesting mutations that became new varieties. On one of them, in the author’s garden, another bud mutation arose, a candidate for a new variety.
The first question that is usually asked when looking at a young coniferous tree you like in a garden center is: “What will it be like in a few years?” In a good garden center, you may be able to get competent advice. In other places the answer will be dubious or we will never get it.
On a note:
Mountain pine (Pinus mugo) Winter Gold, adding 8-12 cm in height and width, since 1998 it has a height and diameter of about 1.5 m. The longest shoots are shortened by pinching.
The most famous of the miniature varieties common spruce(Picea abies) little Gem has an annual growth of 3-5 cm. Over 14 years in the garden it has reached 80 cm in diameter and 40 cm in height.
Coniferous dwarfs - photo
- Juniper horizontal Blue Pygmy is characterized by extremely slow growth, 1-2 cm per year.
- Canadian hemlock(Tsuga canadensis) 'Jeddeloh' is a popular dwarf variety.
- Prickly spruce(Picea pungens) "Thume" is a very compact variety with a flattened spherical crown.
- Sitka spruce(Picea sitchensis) "Silberzwerg". Dwarf.
- Miniature variety common spruce(Picea abies) “Minuta” grows by 1-2 cm per year, remaining a dense, low tussock.
- Serbian spruce“Minima” with a spherical crown is also decorated with silver needles.
- Holub is one of the unusual miniature varieties (mini-dwarf) of the western thuja.
- Noble fir(Abies procera) "Procumbens WB" is a miniature variety of one of the largest conifers.
- In nature mountain pine(Pinus mugo) - a small, low bush. In the garden, the seedling was formed as a garden seedling by removing branches and shortening shoots.
- Norway spruce Acrocona (dwarf) has a specific feature - some shoots end in a cone.
- Rumelian pine(Pinus peuce) Zauberflote, mini-dwarf.
- Korean fir(Abies koreana) Moravian Dwarf, dwarf.
- Dwarf varieties black, mountain and Scots pine and gray spruce on a rocky hill in the author's garden.
Dwarf conifers - a collector's story
In European countries, searching for brooms on coniferous plants is popular, and people who search for and propagate these brooms are called “broom hunters.” Our country is also very rich in a variety of conifers. Many people, walking through the forest, don’t even think that the strange balls, cones and “nests” that are sometimes found in the crowns of trees are those very mysterious witches’ brooms, from which a huge variety of varieties appeared in gardens. If you take cuttings from such a broom and graft it, you can get your own dwarf form.
Strange balls, cones and “nests” found in the treetops are those very mysterious witches’ brooms.
Today I have several dozen forms in my collection. Most of my varieties are named after Slavic legends, epics, fairy tales, and legends.
Common spruce Beech (Picea abies Buka).
I named the variety in honor of a small, malicious spirit, which, according to legend, is invisible to adults. The fact is that this broom was very difficult to find in the crown of the spruce tree, even when I already knew the exact place where it grew.
The plant is dwarf, with a dense flattened crown, increments of 1.5-2 cm and apical branches up to 3 cm. It grows more in width than in height.
Spruce Spirit of the Forest (Picea abies Forest Ghost = Dukh Lesa).
This variety made me work hard, as the broom was lost from sight several times. It took a long time to look for her again. Sometimes it seemed that it was just an illusion, and this happened several times. Only a couple of years later, after repeated attempts, I finally removed the broom. For her secrecy she received such an unusual “name”.
The variety is small in size and produces short (2-3 cm) growths. Feature of the variety: mature buds open in clear sunny weather, forming the semblance of flowers, shaped like small roses.
Norway spruce (Picea abies Perun).
Another dwarf variety, obtained from a powerful conical broom, which was like a lightning rod at the top of the tree. In honor of this, she received the name of the Slavic god of thunder.
A broom with powerful shoots and dense branching. Thick and short needles are very hard to the touch. One of the best varieties.
Common spruce Snegurochka (Picea abies Snegurochka).
There are other modifications and mutations in nature, including variegated ones. A variegated spruce was found that, in addition to the usual green needles, had grown individual yellow branches. This clone may suffer from sun in dry, hot areas. This spruce is much better; thrives in light shade, where the variegated branches lighten to creamy white. That's why it got its name.
Scots pine Elk (Pinus sylvestris Los).
A dwarf form of pine obtained from broom. It has a slate type of growth, a tree with beautiful bluish-green needles. It received its name from the village near which it was found.
The varieties described above are only a small part of my collection. Constant searches for new forms, attempts to introduce them into culture provide a chance to see the huge diversity of the coniferous world in miniature.
Coniferous dwarfs
Coniferous plants are invariably popular with gardeners; unfortunately, not every site can accommodate the next prickly specimen you like. With the advent of low-growing forms and varieties, even owners of sections in a condominium with tiny plots of land can easily assemble a coniferous collection.
The concept of “dwarf” in coniferous plants is relative, since some species grow very slowly, others grow in unsuitable climatic conditions(especially due to the freezing of all shoots above the snow cover) rarely reach the required size, in others the width is many times greater than the height.
The Dutch Conifer Society has compiled its classification grid based on annual growth. It contains a group of dwarfs with an increase of up to 15 cm per year. And if it weren’t for the high marks of their species relatives. Compared to whom they are real midgets, in a couple of decades it would be very difficult to call them dwarfs.
Here, at the very top growth limit of dwarfs, there are classic New Year's blue spruce trees with a fairly dense crown, tough shoots that can withstand the weight of decorations, and a comfortable height: the Serbian spruce Nana grows up to 1.5 m, and the prickly one grows up to 2 m. Filip s Blue Compact and prickly spruce Glauca Globosa, Korean fir Silberlocke, common spruce Acrocona Nana and Weymouth pine Macopin.
From an early age they are covered with cones of amazing beauty and look good without New Year's toys. And the smallest were micro-dwarfs with an annual growth not exceeding 3 cm (Mseno prickly spruce). Even at 10 years of age, some of them are no bigger than a tennis ball. They are now at the peak of popularity among collectors of everything unusual and rare. So, to find out the parameters of an adult plant and immediately find it permanent place in the garden, you need to ask the seller about the frost resistance of the selected specimen.
The rate of shoot growth or size at 10 years of age is usually indicated on the label. otherwise, pay attention to the annual growth of the conductor or - if the plant has several tips - side shoots. Of course, a transport pot is not open ground, where the plant can suddenly gain size, but you will still see approximate numbers.
The mystery of the origin of dwarf conifers
Most miniature varieties of coniferous plants were obtained by special processing of seed material, which caused an artificial gene mutation. Also, with their unique parameters, dwarfs
sometimes they owe to the random whim of nature, which gave breeders seedlings with anomalous parameters, which is found both in nurseries (mountain pillow pine Slowmound) and in natural growing conditions (creeping pine Hillside Creeper). This is how some weeping (European larch Pendula) and golden forms (mountain village Carsten and Wintergold) appeared. The origin of some varieties (thuja occidentalis Mr. Bowling Ball, Scots pine Frensham) is closely related to “witches’ brooms,” which are local outgrowths with slow growth and shortened shoots
and intense branching, earning the legendary name for their strange appearance. More often they are a consequence of the activity of rust fungi, viruses or poor ecology. But there are also non-pathological “witches’ brooms”, which are characterized by normal or increased vitality, healthy appearance and durability.
Such a child of nature can be so picturesque that in Finland excursions are conducted to especially interesting trees. The "witch's broom" received scientific recognition in late XIX centuries, but hunters for them appeared even earlier. These practical gardeners grew miniature forms from their cuttings, which they spread throughout the world as low-growing varieties. Among the pioneers were the still popular conical spruce Maxwellii (obtained in 1874) and the flat-shaped Scots pine Beuvronensis (obtained in 1891).
Both specimens are slow-growing and do not exceed 1.5 m in adulthood. It is interesting that “witch’s brooms” also appeared on the bred dwarfs, which became even more miniature varieties.
Every gardener who knows how to propagate plants by rooting cuttings (arborvitae, thuja, junipers, cypress) or by grafting them (pine, spruce, cedar, larch) can grow an original slow-growing dwarf plant with a dense, compact and beautiful crown from the “witch’s broom”. To do this, in the spring, at the time of swelling of the buds, cut off the apical parts from vertical shoots and store them until they are placed in a substrate or grafted in the snow.
or in damp gauze on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. The cuttings should be 8 cm in size (the lower part is cleared of needles). Rooting will require frequent spraying, including with growth stimulants, fertilizing and maintaining a certain humidity of the substrate. The cuttings are grafted onto a coniferous plant of the same species. With the help of one or several graftings of “witches’ brooms” it is not difficult to create a plant in the dendroart style, but this is already for lovers of standard forms.
FROM THE HEIGHT OF THE ROOTS
Dwarf plants with flowing shoots look elegant on the trunk. A striking example is the favorite of gardeners and landscape designers - the European larch variety Repens. It is most often planted in entrance area as a tapeworm. Dwarfs with a dense spherical crown form charming mini-trees. For example, L. varieties grafted onto 1-2 m trunks. European Blue Dwarf with bluish needles and Kornik the color of fresh greenery.
Of the pine trees, the Sandringham variety is of interest, with a rounded and dense meter-long crown of dark green color. It is especially good in heather.
The prickly Glauca Globosa, grafted onto a standard of 60-80 cm, as well as the thuja occidentalis Smaragd, are subject to regular pruning. E. spiny, i.e. western Danica, will not require molding. forming dense balls about 80 cm in diameter. Compact miniature balls of Korean fir Brilliant Doni lajuso look elegant on the trunk.
Pairs and groups of regular and standard forms planted side by side are funny. Standard plants look harmonious in single-varietal pairs or rows along the stairs, terraces, paths, forming an alley. But the motley collection of standard forms looks strange. By the way, not only miniature plants are grown on the trunk. The standard also serves to “land” varieties that are too high.
So. European larch Pendula is capable of growing up to 20 m, which makes its placement problematic even in large-scale areas. A standard of 1-3 m significantly expands the possibilities of cultivating a freedom-loving savage. In addition, it gives her appearance a romantic look. The shoots, slightly rising at the base and hanging down to the very ground, have a thick shock, and their exposed light threads are spectacular even in winter.
DIFFERENT FORMS OF CONIFEROUS Dwarfs
Miniature plants of geometric shapes are famous for their proportions and crown density. It often weathers out and burns in open areas in the spring, but the Canadian spruce Conica has an ideal cone. Korean fir Gait has a narrow cone, but, unfortunately, it can also turn out to be very unstable in middle lane Russia.
Western thuja varieties with a conical shape (Yellow Ribbon, Miky, Rosenthalii. Smaragd Witbont) are considered more reliable. conical-ovoid (Wagneri) and ovoid-spherical (Woodwardii) shape. The spherical crown of the Serbian spruce Nana, western thuja Tiny Tim. Mr. Bowling Ball, pea cypress While Pygmy, mountain pine Benjamin. A low, even cone at the beginning of its growth and a beautiful ball at maturity, capable of giving a cultivated look to even the most lush flower garden, are characteristic of the blue Alberta Globe spruce
Tight cushions are formed by E. vulgaris Nidiformis, Korean fir, and thuja occidentalis Golden Tuffet. Hemispherical, multivertex, nest-shaped and cushion-shaped miniature conifers are more “disheveled” due to the uneven growth of shoots.
They look natural and are more suitable for compositions in a free style, especially for heathers, as well as for diluting a company of dwarfs that turns out to be too “aligned”.
Be prepared for that. What. despite its slow growth, the Canadian hemlock Jeddeloh. like the pea cypress Filifera Nana, they can easily hide a meter-long stone that happens to be nearby. The behavior of real masterpieces of selection is much more modest: dwarf cedar Blue Mops, thuja western Malonyana Holub, mountain pine Pelerle, and Norway spruce Little Gem.
Coniferous RUGS!
Coniferous plants make an excellent alternative to a lawn. You can't walk on the thorny mats, but the view is simply amazing. Miniature forms junipers are famous for their large width at low height and beautiful interlacing of shoots at joint landing. This allows them to be used more widely, spreading them not only in rocky compositions, in flower beds, between shrubs and trees, but also under taller and spreading counterparts.
In this case, it is best to mulch the soil under them with bark. not excluding the possibility of rooting along the entire length of the shoots, or with small pebbles. The rigid, horizontal juniper Golden Carpet, spread over the surface, has a beautiful golden-lemon color. Particularly effective when combined with dark Prince of Wales greens.
Taller, gray with noble purple tint in the spring, m. horizontal Blue Chip resonates well with the color of the fresh greenery of m. ordinary Green Carpet or black crowberry. Dwarf forms of junipers in the form of prickly pillows about 30 cm in height and almost 1 m in width: m. horizontal Andorra Compact, m. scaly Blue Star, m. Cossack Variegata.
They are planted either singly on the lawn or in close groups, imitating a lush carpet. But not only junipers are good as pasture. Korean fir and spruce are spectacular, almost ground-cover varieties that hang picturesquely from rocky screes and terraces and simultaneously strengthen the slopes. They do not exceed 30-40 cm in height and slowly grow in width up to 1.5 m. For fir it is Green Carpet, for ueli it is Formanek.
Dwarf conifers described in the photo:
Text by ANNA KRASAVTSEVA, Photo: YURIY SOLOVIEV
Larch, hemlock and thuja
So, let’s continue the description of dwarf and low-growing varieties of species of the genus Larch, Hemlock, Thuja.
Many of the varieties described below have proven themselves excellent in the landscape design of small gardens. They can become a decoration for mixed borders, an accent in rock gardens, and a wonderful tapeworm on your lawn. Weeping, spherical, prostrate, with different colored needles - choose the shapes that suit the design of your site. They will be a special find for collectors of conifers (see photo - part of the author’s collection of conifers).
Nowadays the following are quite popular in landscaping: decorative forms(varieties) that can be purchased in nurseries and garden centers countries or, if desired, order them through garden centers from abroad.
Larch
European larch "Kornik" ( Larix decidua ‘Kornik’). A dwarf shrub with a spherical crown, at the age of 10 it reaches a diameter of 1 m. It is usually grown in a standard form, in this case it looks like small tree with crown. The needles are green, up to 3 cm long, and fall off annually in the winter. It grows well only in open sunny places. Best growth on loamy, moderately moist and deep soils. Wind-resistant, deep root system. Winter and frost hardy. Used for small gardens, single plantings and plant compositions.
European larch ‘Repens’ (Larix decidua ‘Repens’). Creeping low-growing variety, branches lie on the ground. Usually grafted onto a standard to obtain a weeping form. In standard form, long shoots fall in an arched manner and can even spread along the ground. The height depends on the trunk, the width of the crown in the upper part is up to 1 m in diameter. Quite often in garden centers this variety is sold under the incorrect name 'Pendula'. Photophilous. Demanding on soil conditions. Frost-resistant. An excellent variety in standard form to create an accent in a composition of lower plants.
Kaempfer larch (Japanese) ‘Blue Dwarf’ (Larix kaempferi ‘Blue Dwarf’). A very low-growing, slow-growing variety. It has a round, dense crown. Usually grafted on a standard. The ends of the branches are hanging down. The needles are bluish, become golden-yellow in the fall, and fall off in the winter. Photophilous. Prefers fertile and moderately moist soils. Frost-resistant and tolerates winter well. Used for small gardens and landscape compositions.
Kaempfer's larch (Japanese) 'Nana' (Larix kaempferi 'Nana'). A dwarf shrub of round shape, with a dense crown. Annual growth is about 5 cm. The bark of the branches is golden yellow. At the age of 10 years, the diameter reaches 1 m. The needles are light green in spring, bluish in summer, yellow in autumn. The variety is photophilous and tolerates light partial shade. Grows well in loamy, moderately moist soils. Used for coniferous compositions and for planting in containers.
Tsuga canadensis ‘Gracilis Oldenburg’. A slow-growing dwarf form of Canadian hemlock. Plants at the age of 10 years reach a height of about 25 cm, crown diameter is 40-50 cm, maximum height is about 2 m. The crown is hemispherical, with a depression in the center. The shoots are short, the ends of the shoots hang down. The needles are 2 cm long, dark green. Requires fairly fertile soils. Relatively shade-tolerant and frost-resistant. It is used for the design of small gardens and shorelines of decorative ponds.
Hemlock 'Jeddeloch' (Tsugacanadensis 'Jeddeloh'). The most common dwarf form of Canadian hemlock today. The crown is semicircular, with spirally arranged branches and a funnel-shaped depression in the center. Grows up to 60 cm in height and width. The needles are hard. 8-16 mm long, light green. Quite shade-tolerant, frost-resistant, and moisture-loving. Suitable for rocky gardens and plant compositions
Canadian hemlock ‘Minima’ (Tsuga canadensis ‘Minima’). A low-growing variety, up to 1.3-1.6 m high, with a loose, rounded crown. It grows slowly. The ends of the shoots are drooping, the shoots themselves are very short. The needles are smaller than those of the species and dark green. Relatively shade-tolerant, frost-resistant. Requires fertile, moist soils. Used for single and group plantings, as well as for coniferous compositions and rock gardens.
Hemlock 'Minuta' (Tsuga canadensis 'Minuta'). Slow-growing dwarf form, with an irregular crown. It reaches a height of no higher than 50 cm. Annual growth is about 1 cm. The needles are 6-10 mm long and 1.0-1.5 mm wide, dark green above, with white stripes below. Quite shade-tolerant and frost-resistant. moisture-loving. Can be used in single plantings, coniferous and mixed small compositions.
Canadian hemlock ‘HaHa’ (Tsuga canadensis ‘Nana’). An evergreen dwarf variety with a round, funnel-shaped crown, up to 1 m in height. The shoots are located horizontally, widely spread, their ends pointing down. The needles are needle-shaped, small, dark green, shiny on top. Relatively shade-tolerant, winter-hardy, moisture-loving. Recommended for rocky areas and for decorating parterre lawns.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’). Very slow growing dwarf form. The crown is rounded, the shoots are quite powerful. The annual growth is about 2.5 cm. The needles are green. Photophilous. Relatively undemanding to soil conditions, but prefers moderately moist, fertile soils. Quite frost-resistant. It is used in the design of small gardens and for coniferous compositions.
Thuja occidentalis Tloboza’ (Thujaoccidentalis ‘Globosa'). Low-growing form, up to 1.2-1.5 m tall and about 1.0-1.2 m wide. The crown shape is round. The shoots are straight and flat, raised upward, densely spaced, and evenly grow to the sides. The needles are scale-like, light green in spring, green in summer and gray-green or brownish in winter, with shiny glands. Tolerates partial shade. Moderately demanding on soil fertility. Winter-hardy. Suitable for single and group plantings in rock gardens, in containers for green roofs.
ThujawesternToldenGlob‘ (Thuja occidentals ‘Golden Globe’). An evergreen, slow-growing, spherical shrub of golden yellow color. The shoots are straight and flat, raised up, densely located. At the age of 10 years it measures about 80 cm in width and height. The annual growth is approximately 8-10 cm. The needles at the ends of the shoots are golden-yellow; inside the ball the needles are bright green. In the fall, the needles acquire a copper honey fungus, and in the spring they become golden again. It is photophilous and acquires its golden color only in sunny areas or in partial shade. It is undemanding to soil, but grows well only in fertile, fresh soil. Looks great as a solitaire, as well as in contrasting groups, deciduous and coniferous compositions.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Hoveyi’. Dwarf form of western gooseberry, 1.0-1.5 m tall. The crown is ovoid-rounded. The shoots are straight, thin, reddish, arranged vertically, which creates an external resemblance to the eastern flat-branched plant. The needles are light green, matte in summer, brownish in winter, with glands on both sides. Photophilous. Undemanding to soil. Winter-hardy. Recommended for single and group plantings on rocky areas, for growing in containers.
Western thuja ‘Danica’ (Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’). Dwarf form with a dense, spherical crown. It grows slowly. The height of adult plants is 0.6-0.8 m, crown diameter is 1.0-1.2 m. The needles are scaly, thick, light green, brownish-green in winter. Shade-tolerant. It is relatively undemanding to the soil, tolerates dry soil, but prefers fresh, sufficiently moist, fertile loams. Frost-resistant. Application: single trips, groups, rocky slides.
Western thuja ‘Dumosa’ (Thuja occidentalis ‘Dumosa’). Slow growing dwarf form. The crown is rounded and irregular. The maximum height and diameter of the crown is 1 m. The needles are green and soft. Photophilous. Moderately demanding on soil fertility and moisture. Frost-resistant. It is used for single plantings, in landscape compositions and in rock gardens.
Thuja occidental little Gem. A dwarf variety of thuja with a rounded, slightly flattened crown shape. The branches are rough, straight, rising, the branches are curved. Reaches 0.8 m in height and 0.9-1 m in diameter. The needles are dark green, with developed glands on both sides, and turn a little brown in winter. Photophilous. Prefers fresh, sufficiently moist, fertile soils. Winter-hardy. It is recommended to plant in groups or singly on rocky areas, suitable for creating borders.
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion' (Thuja occidentalis little Champion). Dwarf form, fast growing when young. Having reached a height of 50 cm, it slows down and becomes rounded. The shoots are loose, straight and spaced from each other. The needles are green, slightly brownish in winter. Photophilous. Prefers fertile soils. Frost-resistant. bRecommended for single and group plantings, in mixed orders. as well as for planting on rocky hills and rock gardens.
Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' (Thujaoctidentalis ‘Rheingold'). Low-growing form of thuja. grows slowly. At a young age, the crown is spherical, later it becomes wider, the height is up to 1.2 m. The shoots are thin. Young branches have a beautiful pinkish honey fungus. The needles are light golden yellow, partly needle-shaped, partly scale-like. Photophilous. Prefers fresh, sufficiently moist, fertile soils. Winter-hardy. Recommended for single and group plantings on rocky areas, as well as for growing in containers.
Thuja octidentalis ‘Tiny Tim’. The dwarf form, reaching about 40 cm in width and 30 cm in height at 8-10 years, is very decorative. It grows slowly. The crown is spherical. The shoots are short and dense. The bark is reddish or grayish-brown, flaking. The needles are scaly, dark green. Photophilous. It is undemanding to soils, tolerates slight soil dryness, but prefers fresh, sufficiently moist, fertile loams. Frost-resistant. Recommended for single and group plantings, in mixed borders, as well as for planting on rocky hills and rock gardens.
Thuja occidental Teddy. Dwarf variety with a spherical crown shape. It grows slowly. At the age of 10 years, the height of the plants is 30-50 cm. The shoots are thin, densely located. The needles are needle-shaped, with a protruding midrib, relatively soft, bluish-green, bronze in color in autumn. The needles may “burn” in the spring. Photophilous, tolerates partial shade. Prefers well-drained, moderately moist soils. Winter-hardy. Tolerates haircuts well. Recommended for small plant arrangements, rock gardens and rock gardens.
Thuja occidentalis 'Umbraculifera' (Thujaoccidental 'Umbraculifera'). Low-growing form, up to 1.5 m tall. It grows slowly. Annual growth is 1.5-3.5 cm. The crown is rounded, almost umbrella-shaped on top. The shoots are straight. The ends of the branches are thin, rounded, slightly drooping. The needles are juicy, small, dark green with a bluish tint. Quite frost-resistant and photophilous. Prefers fresh, sufficiently moist, fertile soils. Recommended for single and group plantings on the lawn, in large rock gardens and rockeries.
Thuja occidentalis Ericoides (Heather) (Thujaoccidentals'Encodes'). Dwarf form, up to 1 m tall. Reminds me of juniper in appearance. Grows quickly. The crown is rounded, wide-conical, multi-peaked. The shoots are thin, flexible, highly branched. The needles are subulate, up to 8 mm long, soft, reddish-yellow-green above, gray-green below, brownish in winter. Only young plants are decorative; older specimens have many dead shoots and needles. Photophilous, tolerates partial shade. Prefers fresh, sufficiently moist, fertile soils. Effective in group plantings. Used to create small gardens in single and group plantings.
Advice for gardeners purchasing seedlings of dwarf thujas, as well as other dwarf and low-growing varieties conifers, in garden centers: if you need a specific variety, be sure to buy plants with labels from the manufacturer. Some dwarf varieties of conifers at a young age are similar to each other, and it can be very difficult to distinguish them by appearance.
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Evergreens decorate the garden and improve the health of the air. Often, if you feel unwell, walks through a coniferous forest or park area are recommended. These are hardy and beautiful trees, but in a garden they feel a little different than in the wild. Despite their unpretentiousness, they will still need to be given attention and care.
Coniferous plants for the garden and cottage
All coniferous plants are highly decorative and look great in group and single plantings. With their rich green color, they provide year-round attractiveness to the garden. However, not all conifers are evergreen. Among them there are those that shed their leaves for the winter. But for most representatives, the renewal of needles occurs unnoticed: in place of the fallen one, a new one immediately grows.
Tall
Tall conifers can play a major role in garden design. They serve as a background for other plants and are effective in compositions with deciduous trees and shrubs. They are often a solo plant in the garden. The small size of the plot is not a reason to refuse tall conifers. In order to decorate the local area for many years, it is enough to plant one tree. In 10–15 years it will become an accent in the garden, invariably attracting attention.
Juniper Skyrocket
Evergreen conifers are an excellent choice for creating hedges, decorating rock gardens and rockeries
A vigorous shrub, notable for its cone-shaped crown. At the age of 10 years it reaches 3 meters in height. In landscape design, it is most often used in single plantings and as a vertical element of group compositions. With a tree height of 5–7 m, the diameter of its trunk is at least 1 m.
Sun-loving, does not tolerate shade. Prefers fertile, breathable soils. Winter-hardy, drought-resistant, has a powerful root system. The needles are small, with a bluish tint. Suitable for growing in urban environments.
IN last years Hoopsie spruce is considered a favorite among gardeners
A representative of tall conifers, with a luxurious cone-shaped crown with blue needles. Grows up to 15 m tall, unpretentious and hardy. The diameter of the trunk of an adult plant can reach 5 m. It is distinguished by the rigidity of its needles, which is why it has the second name “prickly”.
Strong spruce branches can withstand significant snow load. The tree tolerates difficult urban conditions well and is recommended for planting in parks and other recreation areas. Remarkably high growth rates: annual growth of at least 20–30 cm. In the garden it is most impressive in single plantings. It is undemanding to soil quality and does not tolerate waterlogging.
The columnar crown of the thuja Brabant allows the plant to be used as a hedge
In the Russian climate it grows up to 3.5 m. Not suitable for landscaping areas in regions with arid climates. It is moisture-loving and tolerates air pollution well. Recommended for creating hedges in cities and towns. Thuja Brabant can be planted in both sunny and shaded areas of the garden.
The tree is evergreen, the lower branches are located almost at ground level. The needles are bright green, medium hard. The crown is narrow pyramidal in shape, dense. On average, per year it grows by 10 cm in width and 30 cm in height. The fruits are brown cones, 8–12 mm long, oval in shape with widening at the base. Looks great in single and group plantings, recommended for forming alleys and hedges.
The difficult Russian climate is not an obstacle to the growth and development of Unicolor fir
Known as a tree with beautiful needles, a dense pyramidal crown, oval dark purple cones 80–120 mm long. The single-colored fir has much larger and brighter needles than other members of the genus. The average length of the needles is 70 mm. A distinctive feature is the same color on both sides. Fir grows up to 40 m in height with an annual growth of 15–20 cm.
Grows well on sandy loams and loams, prefers well-lit places. It is highly drought-resistant and is recommended for planting in southern regions. Among all types of fir, it has a reputation as the most hardy and resistant to adverse environmental factors.
European cedar pine looks good and takes root near water bodies
A close relative of Siberian pine, which is often confused with cedar due to its external similarity. It grows up to 25 m in height, the trunk diameter of an adult plant is 100–150 cm. It is shade-loving, but can grow in sunny places. The needles are long, elastic, dark green with a bluish tint on the back of the needles.
European pine blooms in June, the fruits are dark brown cones. This tree is long-lived average duration his life is 300–500 years.
Canadian yew needles are sickle-shaped
A shade-loving tall plant growing up to 2.5 m tall. The needles are thick, dark green, longer at the base of the branches than at the top. The crown is pyramidal, up to 2 m in diameter.
Good for molding. The plant is frost-resistant, with an annual growth of up to 5 cm. The bark, branches and needles are poisonous due to the presence of an alkaloid toxin. The wood is hard and durable.
Low-growing (dwarf)
Dwarf conifers for the garden are the product of many years of selection by specialists from different countries. Plants of this type are rarely found in nature. Low conifers are one of the most spectacular plants for the garden, and at the same time the most problematic. The reason is that if the planting site is chosen incorrectly, dwarf plants can produce good annual growth. The plant in this case may be taller than defined by the standard.
The golden needles of the thuja Amber Glow change color depending on the time of year.
Low-growing shrub with a spherical crown and needles golden color. Average height is 80–90 cm, annual growth is within 5–6 cm.
To preserve its decorative properties, the shrub must be planted in sunny areas of the garden. In the shade, the needles take on a green tint.
Amber Glow has good frost resistance, but requires shelter for the winter. The bush looks great as a soloist and in a composition with flowers and deciduous plants. Heather gardens are also recommended.
Oriental thuja Aurea Nana can be grown in containers for use in decorating terraces
An evergreen tree with a beautiful ovoid crown, dense and branched. Feature: pointed crown. Grows up to 170 cm tall. Annual growth 5–6 cm. Crown diameter 80–90 cm. Needles in warm time golden-green in the summer, with a bronze tint in winter.
The plant is unpretentious and grows well on any soil, except rocky and heavy clay soils. Prefers well-lit places, moist, breathable soils.
Possible planting in partial shade. For normal plant development, regular watering is necessary. Small thuja is suitable for forming low hedges; in urban environments it is grown as a border.
Thuja occidentalis Caespitosa
In 1923, in the greenhouse of the Irish botanical garden Thuja Caespitosa was discovered in Dublin, its origin is unknown
One of the shortest coniferous plants, reaching a height of no more than 40 cm. The crown is dense, cushion-shaped, semicircular in shape. It is characterized by low growth intensity: by the age of 15 it is a tree 30 cm high with a crown width of 35–40 cm. The branches are erect, the needles are dense.
Thuja occidentalis Danica
With regular pruning, the crown of Danica's thuja becomes dense.
Dwarf thuja, characterized by extremely slow growth. By the age of 20 it reaches 60 cm in height and the same in crown diameter.
In the warm season, the needles of the tree are bright green, but with the onset of cold weather they take on a brown tint. It is recommended to plant in places protected from the wind, in partial shade.
The plant needs shelter in winter and protection from sunburn in summer. The root system is superficial and requires regular watering in the first two years after planting. It is recommended to mulch the thuja tree trunk to retain moisture.
Thuja occidentalis Choseri is widely used in modern gardens due to its unusual crown shape.
Evergreen low-growing thuja, bred by Polish breeders. It has a spherical dense crown.
The plant is multi-stemmed with thick scaly needles, changing from green to bronze-brown in autumn. The tree is frost-resistant, but in the first 3–4 years after planting it needs shelter for the winter.
It tolerates crown molding well and exhibits small annual growth. Planting on well-drained fertile soils is recommended. Tuya Hoseri requires regular watering.
Creeping
Creeping conifers are also called creeping conifers. The most common area of application in landscape design is decorating gardens and adjacent areas as a “prickly lawn”. Some species of juniper are horizontal and reach a height of only a few centimeters and are used as ground cover plants. Creeping conifers of medium height make spectacular evergreen borders.
Ground cover juniper Blue Chip is characterized by high winter hardiness
Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip is one of the popular varieties of creeping conifers. A plant with small and dense needles of a silver-blue color. It grows quickly, forming a continuous prickly carpet.
The shrub is characterized by an average growth rate; by the age of 10 it reaches 20 cm in height with a crown width of 30–50 cm. The shoots grow evenly in different directions, the tops slightly rise above the ground level.
Juniper Blue Chip is a powerful air purifier that improves the health of the atmosphere within a radius of 10 m from the place of growth. Widely used for decorating rock gardens and rock gardens, feels good on rocky soils.
It is drought-resistant, but to obtain high decorative value the plant requires watering. The soil should be well-drained; stagnation of moisture is undesirable. Photophilous, recommended for planting in rocky gardens, decorating retaining walls and small hills.
The branches of the flat crown of the Green Carpet juniper are pressed tightly to the ground
Dwarf juniper Green Carpet has soft, dense light green needles. The shoots are arranged horizontally, intertwined with each other, covering the soil with a dense fluffy carpet. By the age of 10 it grows up to 20 cm in height. The crown is wide and flat, reaching 150 cm in diameter. Planting on sandy and calcareous soils and sandy loam is recommended.
The plant grows well in sunny places, but prefers partial shade. During the summer heat, sunburn is possible. It lends itself well to molding, after which the crown becomes denser and more beautiful.
Not a single weed survives under the dense carpet of Green Carpet juniper branches.
Frost-resistant juniper Prince of Wales is unpretentious to the soil
The low-growing creeping juniper Prince of Wales grows to only 15 cm in height. In this case, the crown diameter reaches 250 cm.
Effective in group and single plantings, recommended for decorating rocky hills and rock gardens. It is characterized by high winter hardiness, does not freeze out in Siberian conditions and Far East. When used as a ground cover plant, the recommended planting scheme is 2–3 bushes per 1 m2.
In the first few years of life, the crown has a cushion shape, later creeping shoots grow. Fruits with small cone-shaped berries. In the warm season, the needles are green with a bluish tint; in winter they take on bronze tones.
During the hot period, common juniper Depressa Aurea needs abundant watering and sprinkling of the crown
short coniferous shrub Depressa Aurea has a high growth rate among creeping plants. Annual growth is up to 15 cm. The maximum height of an adult plant is 50 cm, crown diameter is 200 cm.
The branches are slightly raised upward, the tips hang down to the ground. The needles are thick, golden-yellow in color; over time, brown tones begin to prevail. In the cold season it turns brown. The plant is undemanding to soil quality, winter-hardy, grows well in shade and partial shade.
The slow-growing juniper variety Golden Carpet was bred by breeders in 1992
Juniper horizontal Golden Carpet is one of the popular creeping plants for decorating rock gardens, garden compositions and the formation of coniferous flower beds.
The height of the bush does not exceed 15 cm, the diameter of the crown is 150 cm. The needles are thick, golden in the upper part of the shoots, and yellow-green in the lower part, facing the ground. It is recommended to plant in places well lit by the sun: in the shade this plant loses its decorative effect. Grows well in any soil, but prefers moist and well-drained soil.
Photo gallery: conifers in landscape design
Coniferous plants are widely used in landscape design not only due to their decorative properties. Representatives of this group are distinguished by good winter hardiness, are shade-tolerant, and saturate the air with healing phytoncides.
Dwarf forms of conifers are popular in the design of alpine slides
Dwarf species will enliven and decorate a rocky hill. The crown of these plants tolerates pruning well and holds its shape for a long time. As an accent, 1–3 medium-sized conifers are planted, emphasizing the decorative nature of the rock garden.
As a background for coniferous composition lawn is often used
A composition of coniferous trees with a cone-shaped and spherical crown is a decoration for any area. These plants go well with deciduous trees and shrubs.
When combining conifers and flowers in a flower bed, it is necessary to take into account the soil requirements of the plants
Single plantings of conifers add a touch of presentability to flower beds. With bright green needles they emphasize and set off the beauty of flowering flower beds.
When creating a composition of conifers, the tallest specimens are placed in the background
A frequently used technique is a combination of medium- and tall-growing conifers with creeping ones. In this way, a spectacular taiga area is created in the garden.
Coniferous plants tolerate topiary cutting well
The art of crown formation will help you create a uniquely beautiful plant in your garden. It will become the highlight of any composition, emphasizing the respectability and well-groomed nature of the site.
Coniferous ornamental plants decorate the garden path all year round
Low conifers with a spherical crown are original prickly flower beds, most spectacular in single plantings. This technique can be used when designing garden paths and paths.
Tall coniferous trees can delimit garden compositions
Tall conifers are an excellent backdrop for rock gardens and rockeries, rocky areas, and flower beds.
Coniferous plants are widely used in landscaping parks
Tall and dwarf conifers are an integral element of large-scale compositions. Look great against the backdrop of well-groomed lawns.
Coniferous hedges are not only beautiful, but also functional
Linear plantings of tall conifers help to zone the area and create an effective but passable barrier.
Skillful combination is the main requirement for creating a complex landscape composition from conifers
Often, when choosing trees and shrubs for their garden or summer cottage, people give preference to coniferous plants. This is understandable, because most conifers retain their decorative properties all year round. In addition, they come in different types and shapes; for example, you can combine low-growing coniferous plants for the garden with tall ones, which allows you to diversify your landscape design.
General information
Coniferous plants in garden design can look great both in single and group compositions. In addition, needles are often used to create evergreen sculptures and hedges.
Among the advantages of such plantings are:
- Looks perfect at any time of the year;
- Do not shed leaves that need to be removed;
- Doesn't cause much trouble to care for.
However, before you decide to plant a particular coniferous plant, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristics and find out what height it can reach. This will allow you to avoid some problems associated with tree growth or growth in the future. Thus, the design of a garden with coniferous plants will look harmonious even after many years.
Common types of conifers
For decoration of garden and summer cottages As a rule, several types of coniferous trees are used:
- Pine;
- Yew,
- Fir;
- Cypress;
- Cedar.
In addition, garden conifers also include some shrubs, among which there are low-growing and even creeping plants that look great on. Below we will familiarize ourselves with the features of all of the above types of crops.
Yew
Yew trees include not only trees, but also shrubs. However, the main representative of this group is the yew - an evergreen tree that can be monoecious or dioecious. The leaves of yew representatives are double-rowed or asymmetrically located relative to each other.
Their features include strong branching and an extensive root system. Plants “love” rich soils, and are also demanding of air humidity. There are about twenty species of yew, which primarily grow in the Northern Hemisphere.
Note!
Yew trees grow well in well-drained soils and do not tolerate waterlogging and high acidity of the soil.
It must be said that these plants are shade-loving, and they can survive in such heavily shaded places where other coniferous crops cannot survive.
Cypress
There are 12 species of plants of this species. They grow in warmer zones of the Northern Hemisphere, however, among them there are also frost-resistant crops. As a rule, cypress trees are evergreen trees, however, some shrubs also belong to this group.
It should be noted that all cypress trees are spectacular ornamental plants that are an excellent decoration for personal plots.
You can grow them in two ways:
- From seeds;
- By cuttings.
Note!
When planting cypress trees, you must be guided by the following rule - plants with yellow needles should be located in sunny areas, and with green ones - in shaded areas.
Pine
Pine trees include plants that primarily grow in Asia and Europe. Typically this is very tall trees with a spreading wide crown.
All species of these trees have needles collected in small bunches, however, the number of needles and their structure can vary significantly between different varieties. The needles usually last for several years and then fall off.
Growing and caring for coniferous plants in the garden, which are classified as pine, is not particularly difficult. The most important thing is to plant and care for it correctly the first year. These trees can withstand severe frosts and heat, however, they are light-loving.
Fir
Fir trees are fast-growing coniferous crops with a pyramidal crown. It is advisable to plant them in sheltered and shaded areas. On clay soils for them it is necessary to provide drainage in the form of gravel or crushed stone.
It must be said that fir varieties of coniferous plants for the garden are very demanding in terms of soil saturation with water and its fertility. As for care, the plants require only sanitary spring pruning. In addition, young crops need to loosen the soil.
In the first year after planting, it is better to cover the plant with spruce branches for the winter. No further action is required, since the crop is frost-resistant.
Cedar
Cedar can be called a special gift of nature. The fact is that this evergreen tree has not only an attractive appearance, but also healing properties.
The trees reach a height of 40 meters, and the diameter of the trunk can be 1.5 meters. The needles are collected in small bunches of five pieces each. An adult tree bears fruit once every one to two years.
It should be noted that cedar grows slowly, but its age can reach 550 years.
There are two ways to grow trees with your own hands:
- From seeds (pine nuts) is a rather complex and painstaking process that does not always give a positive result.
- Planting seedlings is the simplest and most effective option. Seedlings can be purchased at a nursery; as a rule, the price for them is not high. An even cheaper option is to dig up seedlings in the forest.
Note!
Cedar does not like to grow alone, so it is advisable to plant the tree in a company of 2-3 plants of the same species.
In the photo - dwarf pines in landscape design
Low growing coniferous plants in the garden
There is an opinion that the best option for a garden are low-growing coniferous plants, as they allow you to fully admire the beauty of the crown. Frost-resistant varieties are especially in demand among short plants.
This group includes:
- Dwarf pines;
- Yews;
- A low-growing type of spruce (reaching no more than two meters in height);
- Arborvitae and junipers.
It should be noted that low-growing species have insignificant annual growth - no more than 15 centimeters. Moreover, they may differ in crown shape, color, needle structure, etc.
Note!
Low-growing coniferous crops cannot be planted under tall deciduous trees, as the leaves will fall on the needles, which will negatively affect the development of the plant.
Landing Features
Despite the fact that some types of conifers require special planting conditions, there are general rules for all their types. In particular, important point is the planting date; for coniferous plants it is the end of April - the beginning of May.
As mentioned above, the easiest way to grow crops is from seedlings. The only thing you need to pay attention to is their quality, which is indicated by the following points:
Brief instructions for planting needles are as follows:
- First of all, you need to dig a hole with a volume slightly larger than the earthen ball of the seedling.
- Then you need to fill the hole with a mound 2/3 of its depth.
- After this, you should place the seedling on the mound and carefully distribute the roots around it.
- Next, you need to bury the roots. In this case, the seedling must be periodically shaken and the ground lightly trampled.
- After planting, the plant must be watered.
- Then you need to sprinkle dry soil around the seedling.
- At the end of the work, the soil should be mulched and sprinkled with peat around the plant.
Here, perhaps, are all the main points of planting coniferous crops.
Conclusion
There are many types of coniferous plants that can be planted in the garden. Among them there are both very tall trees and very small bushes. This allows you to select evergreen crops for your garden landscape that match any design ideas. From the video in this article you can find some additional information on this topic.
