Conifers

Picea abies, commonly known as the Norway spruce, is a prominent coniferous tree native to Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. Recognisable by its tall, symmetrical shape and dense, evergreen foliage, it often reaches heights of 35–55 metres, with some specimens growing even taller under optimal conditions. The Norway spruce is widely planted in Europe and North America, not only for ornamental and landscaping purposes but also for timber production, given its straight grain and versatility. Its wood, known as "whitewood," is prized in the construction industry and is also used in the manufacture of paper and musical instruments.

The tree's bark is brown to reddish and scaly, becoming rougher as it ages. Its branches grow in horizontal layers, with pendulous branchlets giving the tree a slightly weeping appearance. Needles are dark green, pointed, and around 1–2 cm in length. Cones are one of its defining features, typically measuring 10–18 cm, with a cylindrical shape and rounded, overlapping scales that turn brown as they mature.

Picea abies is hardy, thriving in a range of climates and soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic soils and benefits from full sun. In colder climates, it is often cultivated as a Christmas tree due to its classic conical form and appealing fragrance. However, it requires ample space for its expansive root system, making it unsuitable for small gardens.

Ecologically, the Norway spruce plays an essential role in forest ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. 

Our spruce has been grown in a pot from seed right here at the Arundel Arboretum. 

Picea abies, commonly known as the Norway spruce, is a prominent coniferous tree native to Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. Recognisable by its tall, symmetrical shape and dense, evergreen foliage, it often reaches heights of 35–55 metres, with some specimens growing even taller under optimal conditions. The Norway spruce is widely planted in Europe and North America, not only for ornamental and landscaping purposes but also for timber production, given its straight grain and versatility. Its wood, known as "whitewood," is prized in the construction industry and is also used in the manufacture of paper and musical instruments.

The tree's bark is brown to reddish and scaly, becoming rougher as it ages. Its branches grow in horizontal layers, with pendulous branchlets giving the tree a slightly weeping appearance. Needles are dark green, pointed, and around 1–2 cm in length. Cones are one of its defining features, typically measuring 10–18 cm, with a cylindrical shape and rounded, overlapping scales that turn brown as they mature.

Picea abies is hardy, thriving in a range of climates and soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic soils and benefits from full sun. In colder climates, it is often cultivated as a Christmas tree due to its classic conical form and appealing fragrance. However, it requires ample space for its expansive root system, making it unsuitable for small gardens.

Ecologically, the Norway spruce plays an essential role in forest ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. 

Juniperus squamata 'Holger' is a distinct cultivar of the flaky juniper, recognized for its ornamental appeal and adaptability. This evergreen conifer showcases a unique blend of blue-green and yellow foliage, presenting a striking visual contrast. Specifically, the new growth typically emerges in a bright, golden-yellow hue, gradually transitioning to a more muted blue-green as the needles mature.

This slow-growing juniper boasts a compact and spreading habit, making it a favorite for a range of garden applications. Given its low-profile growth, 'Holger' is an ideal candidate for rock gardens, ground covers, and even containers. The texture and color of its needles add year-round interest to the landscape.

Moreover, Juniperus squamata 'Holger' is celebrated for its resilience. It's notably drought-tolerant once established, allowing it to thrive in various conditions, especially in regions with water restrictions. This cultivar also requires minimal maintenance, further enhancing its appeal to gardeners of all experience levels.

Additionally, 'Holger' exhibits resistance to common pests and diseases that might afflict other garden plants, ensuring its place as a hardy and dependable garden specimen. Overall, its combination of visual charm and sturdiness makes it a coveted choice for diverse horticultural applications.

Abies fraseri, commonly known as the Fraser fir, is a small to medium-sized evergreen conifer native to the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States. This tree is highly prized for its symmetrical shape, dense branching, and vibrant green needles with silvery undersides. The needles are short, soft, and emit a pleasant, fresh fragrance that makes the Fraser fir one of the most popular choices for Christmas trees across North America. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 50 feet in the wild, Fraser firs thrive in cool, moist climates and well-drained, acidic soils. They produce upright cones that disintegrate to release seeds while still attached to the branches—a characteristic trait of true firs. In addition to their ornamental value, Fraser firs provide important habitat for wildlife, including the endangered spruce-fir moss spider. Their beauty, scent, and durability make them a cherished tree for both natural landscapes and festive settings.

Abies koreana, commonly known as the Korean fir, is a striking, compact evergreen conifer native to the mountainous regions of South Korea. It is prized for its dense, upward-growing branches, dark green needles with shimmering silvery undersides, and distinctive purple-blue cones that often appear even on young trees, adding year-round ornamental appeal. This slow-growing species typically reaches a mature height of 6 to 12 metres, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as a feature tree in larger landscapes.

At Arundel Arboretum, our Korean firs have been lovingly pot-grown from seed, ensuring strong root development and careful cultivation from the very beginning. This method promotes healthier, more resilient trees that are well-suited for successful transplanting into a variety of garden settings. Grown with expertise and attention to detail, our Abies koreana trees offer not only exceptional beauty but also the assurance of quality and care from seed to sale.

Abies nobilis, commonly known as the noble fir, is a majestic evergreen conifer native to the mountainous regions of the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It is admired for its tall, symmetrical form and attractive, upward-curving bluish-green needles. The noble fir is often sought after for its strong, fragrant branches, making it a popular choice for Christmas trees and festive wreaths. This particular specimen was grown from seed at Arundel Arboretum and cultivated in a pot, demonstrating the species’ adaptability and resilience in container growth. Over time, it developed a well-balanced shape and healthy foliage, showcasing the tree’s ornamental value even when not planted in open ground

Cryptomeria japonica 'Dinger', commonly known as Japanese cedar, is a compact, dwarf cultivar prized for its dense, lush green foliage and globular growth habit. This cultivar reaches an ultimate height of approximately 3 to 4 feet, making it an ideal choice for small garden spaces, rock gardens, or as a striking container specimen. The 'Dinger' variety thrives best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy and adaptable, but like most Cryptomeria, it benefits from protection against harsh, drying winds.

In the landscape, Cryptomeria japonica 'Dinger' is often used to add structure and year-round color, thanks to its evergreen nature. It can serve as a focal point in mixed beds, borders, or as formal or informal groupings in larger gardens. Its slow growth rate and manageable size reduce the need for frequent pruning, making it a low-maintenance option for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Juniperus communis 'Greenmantle' is a low-growing, spreading cultivar of the common juniper, valued for its dense, evergreen foliage and adaptability in a variety of landscapes. This dwarf groundcover juniper forms a dense mat, typically reaching only 6 to 12 inches in height but spreading up to 4 to 5 feet wide, making it ideal for erosion control on slopes, rock gardens, and as a ground cover in larger garden beds.

The 'Greenmantle' cultivar showcases soft-textured, needle-like foliage that varies in color from vibrant green to bluish-green, depending on the season and light exposure. Unlike many other juniper cultivars, which can develop sharp, spiny foliage, 'Greenmantle' is relatively soft to the touch. This attribute makes it particularly suitable for use in spaces where people may frequently walk or touch the plant.

Known for its resilience, Juniperus communis 'Greenmantle', tolerating cold winters and hot summers with ease. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil but is highly adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or rocky terrain. Once established, it exhibits excellent drought tolerance, requiring minimal watering and making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance and xeriscape gardens.

Another distinguishing feature of 'Greenmantle' is its ability to grow in poor soil conditions where other plants may struggle, allowing it to thrive in challenging locations. This cultivar also offers ecological benefits; it provides shelter for small wildlife and birds and is resistant to deer, which often avoid junipers due to their aromatic foliage.

Overall, *Juniperus communis* 'Greenmantle' is a versatile and hardy plant with an attractive, low-maintenance appeal, offering ground coverage and year-round color in a variety of landscapes. Its durability and dense growth habit make it a practical yet attractive choice for enhancing garden structure and texture.

The Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Pearly Swirls', commonly known as Lawson’s Cypress 'Pearly Swirls', is a unique cultivar prized for its compact, slow-growing, and ornamental nature. This dwarf conifer is cherished in gardens for its distinctive swirling foliage, which exhibits a captivating blend of cream, light green, and pearly white hues, especially prominent on its younger growth. The foliage is dense, feathery, and arranged in soft, rounded tufts, giving the plant a gentle, delicate appearance. As it matures, ‘Pearly Swirls’ develops a slightly conical or irregular shape, though it remains relatively small, making it an excellent choice for containers, rockeries, and small garden spaces.

Reaching a modest height of about 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) and a spread of around 30–60 cm (1–2 feet) over several years, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Pearly Swirls' is notably low maintenance and resilient, requiring minimal pruning to retain its shape. It prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic soil and does best in a location with full sun to partial shade. However, it is somewhat sensitive to drought, so it benefits from regular watering during dry periods, particularly when newly planted.

Hardy to approximately -15°C (5°F), this cultivar is suitable for a range of climates across the UK, though protection from harsh winter winds can help maintain its vibrant foliage colouration. Due to its petite size and attractive foliage, 'Pearly Swirls' works well in mixed borders or as a focal point in smaller garden designs. It also complements heathers, dwarf rhododendrons, and other compact shrubs, adding year-round interest with its eye-catching, variegated leaves.

Overall, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Pearly Swirls' is a delightful addition to gardens, bringing texture, colour, and elegance with minimal effort, appealing to both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.

This particular Pinus sylvestris, commonly known as Scots Pine, has been grown from seed in a pot at Arundel Arboretum and is approximately 5 years old. In the wild, Scots Pine is a majestic conifer that can reach an ultimate height of up to 20 metres, with a distinctive tall, straight trunk and an open, airy crown. It is native to Europe and Asia and is well-known for its attractive, flaky orange-brown bark and blue-green needles, which provide year-round colour and texture.

Although naturally large, Pinus sylvestris can be adapted for smaller gardens with careful maintenance. By pruning the new growth, or "candles", annually, the tree’s size and shape can be controlled, making it suitable for container growing or compact outdoor spaces. Its rugged beauty, adaptability, and striking foliage make it an excellent feature tree or bonsai candidate, especially when nurtured from a young age like this specimen.