Conifers

Pinus parviflora ‘Schoon’s’ is a beautiful and highly sought-after variety of Japanese White Pine, prized for its elegant form, attractive foliage and suitability for both traditional and contemporary gardens. Originating from Japan, this refined evergreen pine develops a naturally graceful habit, with twisting branches and soft, blue-green needles that are held in delicate clusters of five. The fine-textured foliage gives the tree a light, airy appearance, making it an excellent choice where year-round structure and visual interest are required.

In the UK, ‘Schoon’s’ is particularly valued by enthusiasts of Japanese-style gardens and those looking to create a specimen tree with character. It responds exceptionally well to pruning and training, making it ideal for bonsai, niwaki (cloud-pruned garden trees), or simply as an architectural feature in a border, courtyard or gravel garden. With age, the bark develops an attractive rugged texture, adding further winter interest and a sense of maturity.

This slow-growing evergreen prefers a sunny, open position with free-draining soil. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, including slightly acidic to neutral soils, but dislikes heavy, waterlogged conditions. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant, although young trees benefit from regular watering during dry spells, particularly when grown in containers. A sheltered position is beneficial in exposed areas, especially where cold winds may cause damage to the fine needles.

‘Schoon’s’ remains compact compared with many other pines, making it suitable for smaller gardens where a specimen tree is desired without excessive growth. Over many years it can develop into a highly sculptural tree, with a characterful silhouette that improves with age.

An excellent choice for collectors, Japanese-inspired planting schemes, rock gardens and formal landscapes, Pinus parviflora ‘Schoon’s’ offers year-round beauty, low maintenance and a timeless elegance that makes it a standout evergreen feature in the UK garden.

Larix decidua 'Little Bogle' is a compact, deciduous conifer tree that is well-suited for small gardens and landscapes. It belongs to the Pinaceae family and is commonly known as the European larch. The 'Little Bogle' cultivar is a dwarf version of the species, reaching a mature height of only 2-3 meters with a spread of 1-1.5 meters. It has a slow to moderate growth rate, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, small tree.

The 'Little Bogle' has a distinctive conical shape with a narrow, upright growth habit. The branches are densely covered with short, bluish-green needles that turn golden-yellow in the fall before dropping. The tree produces small, brown cones that are approximately 2-3cm long and have a papery texture. The cones persist on the tree into the winter months, adding an element of interest to the landscape.

This tree prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soil. The 'Little Bogle' is hardy, which makes it suitable for a wide range of climates.

This cultivar is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal pruning or shaping. It is also resistant to many common diseases and pests, making it a reliable addition to any garden. The tree can be used as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for small gardens or urban landscapes, where space is at a premium.

In conclusion, Larix decidua 'Little Bogle' is a beautiful and versatile tree that is well-suited for small gardens and landscapes. Its distinctive conical shape, bluish-green needles, and golden-yellow fall color make it a standout in any garden. It is easy to care for, hardy, and resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Pinus parviflora 'Negishi' is a dwarf, compact, slow-growing, coniferous, evergreen shrub of upright, spreading habit, with short stems, stiff, slightly twisted, silvery-blue, needle-like leaves, clustered in groups of five. It produces attractive, small, ovoid, brown cones in autumn.

Pinus parviflora 'Negishi' will tolerate almost all soil types, chalky, clay, sandy, loamy, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in neutral to acidic soil in full sun. It doesn’t cope well with humidity and heat, but can adapt to coastal conditions. It prefers cool summer climates. Very resistant to frost and low temperatures, as well as wind and exposed positions. Tolerant of urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning.

Japanese white pine 'Negishi' is an attractive pine with interesting, architectural, irregular habit. It looks great in rock and gravel gardens, but is also suitable for cottage and urban gardens. Excellent as a specimen or accent plant, for beds and borders, and low hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis' is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Cupressaceae. It is also commonly known as Dwarf Hinoki Cypress. This cultivar is a popular choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant with a compact growth habit that can fit in smaller gardens or containers.

The 'Nana Gracilis' cultivar has a unique, pyramidal shape that reaches a height of 2-3 feet and a width of 1-2 feet at maturity. Its dense foliage is comprised of delicate, flattened sprays of feathery, blue-green needles that emerge in a tiered arrangement, giving it an elegant and refined look. The foliage of this cultivar emits a distinct, pleasant scent when crushed, which adds to its appeal.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis' thrives in a variety of growing conditions, but prefers moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. It is also relatively tolerant of full sun exposure, but will benefit from some protection in hotter climates. This cultivar is known to be relatively disease and pest-resistant, making it a great option for low-maintenance gardens.

Pinus nigra 'Komet' is a stunning cultivar of the Pinus nigra species, commonly known as the Austrian or Black Pine. This striking ornamental tree stands out due to its striking conical form, fast growth rate, and dense foliage, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers alike. Native to Europe and Asia, the Austrian Pine thrives in a variety of environmental conditions, including rocky or sandy soils and urban areas with high levels of pollution.

The 'Komet' variety is characterized by its compact, pyramidal shape and distinct upward-curving branches, which give the tree its celestial namesake. This cultivar can reach heights of up to 30-40 feet (9-12 meters), with a spread of about 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters). Its attractive form makes it an ideal candidate for use as a specimen tree, a privacy screen, or even as part of a larger garden design.

The foliage of the Pinus nigra 'Komet' is particularly striking, with dark green needles that measure 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) in length, arranged in bundles of two. These long, robust needles are accompanied by a dense arrangement of buds, which appear prominently on the tree during the winter months. The tree's bark is also visually interesting, with a rich, dark grey color and a plated or scaly texture that becomes more pronounced as the tree matures.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Pinus nigra 'Komet' boasts a relatively high tolerance to a variety of environmental stressors, including drought, air pollution, and saline soils. This adaptability makes it well-suited for urban landscapes and challenging planting sites. 

When planting Pinus nigra 'Komet', it is essential to select a location with well-drained soil and ample room for the tree to grow to its full height and spread. Although this cultivar is more resistant to pests and diseases than some other conifers, it is still essential to monitor the tree for signs of infestation or illness, such as needle cast or pine wilt. Pruning is generally minimal and should focus on maintaining the tree's overall shape and removing dead or damaged branches.

In conclusion, the Pinus nigra 'Komet' is a magnificent addition to any garden or landscape, offering year-round visual interest with its conical form, dense foliage, and distinctive branching pattern. Its hardiness and adaptability to various environmental conditions make it a popular choice for urban planting and challenging sites, ensuring that this celestial-inspired cultivar continues to shine bright in gardens across the globe.

An elegant, dwarf, compact, coniferous, evergreen shrub of rounded habit, with long, soft green needles, and small, ovoid, green to brown cones in autumn. A result of a controlled crossbreeding of Pinus nigra and Pinus densiflora. Pinus 'Marie Bregeon' can tolerate a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, neutral to acidic, loamy or sandy, well-drained soils in full sun. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It can withstand coastal conditions and is suitable for coastal areas. Extremely resistant to frost, tolerant of exposed positions and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning.

Dwarf Pinus 'Marie Bregeon' is an exceptional, little shrub that naturally forms a neat, rounded shape, without any pruning. It is ideal for coastal and rock gardens, surrounded by stones or pebbles, but also suitable for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great as a focal point or accent plant in small gardens. Excellent for growing in containers.

Pinus mugo 'Krauskopf' is a dwarf cultivar of the Pinus mugo species, also known as the mountain pine or mugo pine. This particular cultivar is prized for its unique appearance, slow growth, and compact size, which make it an excellent choice for small gardens, rockeries, or as a specimen plant.

The 'Krauskopf' cultivar is characterized by its dense, irregularly-shaped crown and twisted, contorted branches. The needles are dark green and slightly twisted, typically measuring around 1 to 2 inches long. The branches tend to grow in a somewhat horizontal fashion, creating a slightly rounded or mounded form.

The Pinus mugo 'Krauskopf' is a slow-growing cultivar, typically reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet and a similar spread when mature. This makes it a suitable choice for limited spaces or in combination with other dwarf or slow-growing plants. It is quite hardy and adaptable, capable of growing in a range of soil types and tolerating varying moisture levels, though it prefers well-draining soil and full sun.

Like other pines, Pinus mugo 'Krauskopf' has cones that develop on the branches. The cones are small, measuring around 1 to 2 inches in length, and have a reddish-brown color when mature. The tree is known to be relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established.

In landscape design, Pinus mugo 'Krauskopf' can be used as a focal point in a garden, a border plant, or grouped with other dwarf conifers to create a unique and attractive display. Its compact size and slow growth make it an ideal choice for container gardening or bonsai culture as well.

Pinus sylvestris 'Sandringham' is a distinctive variety of the Scots Pine, a well-known conifer species native to large parts of Europe and Asia. This specific cultivar is prized for its compact, bushy growth habit and its suitability for smaller gardens, rockeries, or as an ornamental specimen in landscaped areas. Unlike the typical Scots Pine, which can grow into a large tree, 'Sandringham' remains much more manageable in size, making it an ideal choice for spaces where a full-sized tree would be too imposing.

The needles of 'Sandringham' are a vibrant blue-green, densely packed, and held in clusters of two. These provide year-round interest, creating a striking contrast in gardens, especially during the winter months when many deciduous plants lose their leaves. As the tree matures, the bark develops an attractive reddish-brown, flaky texture, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

One of the standout features of this cultivar is its tolerance to poor soils and cold, windy conditions, making it particularly well-suited to the UK climate. It prefers full sun and can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy or gravelly soils, as long as they are well-drained. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance, with occasional light pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

'Pinus sylvestris Sandringham' is often used in Japanese-style gardens, coastal settings, or as a feature plant in a mixed border. Its slow growth rate means it will not outgrow its space quickly, making it a long-term investment for gardeners seeking a hardy, attractive, and easy-to-care-for conifer that adds both texture and colour to their outdoor spaces throughout the year.

Pinus mugo 'Laurin' is a charming, slow-growing dwarf mountain pine that forms a dense, rounded mound of rich green needles, making it an excellent choice for gardens where space is limited but year-round structure is desired. Originating from the hardy mountain pine, this compact cultivar is exceptionally resilient and well suited to the varied climate of the UK. Over many years it develops into a neat, naturally symmetrical shrub, typically reaching around 60–100cm in height and 80–120cm in spread, requiring very little pruning to maintain its attractive shape.

The short, dark green needles are held in pairs and create a soft yet robust appearance throughout the seasons. In spring, attractive creamy-white candles emerge before extending into fresh new growth, adding subtle seasonal interest. As a true evergreen, Pinus mugo 'Laurin' provides reliable colour and texture throughout the year, making it particularly valuable during the winter months when many deciduous plants have lost their leaves.

This versatile conifer thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, although it will tolerate a wide range of soil types, including chalk, sandy and loamy soils. Once established it is remarkably drought tolerant and withstands exposed, windy and coastal conditions, making it an excellent choice for challenging sites. It is also highly frost hardy and requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional watering during prolonged dry spells in its first growing season.

Ideal for rock gardens, alpine beds, gravel gardens, borders, raised planters and large containers, Pinus mugo 'Laurin' adds permanent structure without overwhelming neighbouring plants. Its compact habit makes it a superb companion for ornamental grasses, heathers, Japanese maples and low-growing perennials. It is equally effective as a specimen plant or when planted in groups to create an attractive evergreen feature.

Low maintenance, long-lived and exceptionally hardy, Pinus mugo 'Laurin' is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking an elegant, compact evergreen that delivers year-round interest with very little care.

Picea abies 'Pusch' is a dwarf cultivar of the Norway spruce, known for its compact size, unique cone production, and suitability for small gardens and rockeries. Originating from the traditional Picea abies species, this slow-growing variety is cherished for its ornamental value and attractive, miniature form.

This conifer typically grows to a height of 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) over the course of 10 years, forming a compact, rounded shape. Its dense branches are covered in short, dark green needles that provide a striking year-round display. What makes Picea abies 'Pusch' truly special, however, is its prolific production of bright red, small cones in spring. These cones first appear as vibrant, ruby-red structures, creating a colourful contrast against the green foliage, before maturing into a more subdued brown hue later in the season.

Due to its modest size and slow growth rate, Picea abies 'Pusch' is ideal for smaller spaces, container gardening, and rock gardens. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, preferring well-drained, slightly acidic soil. While it is hardy in cold climates, it benefits from being sheltered from strong winds and extremes in weather, especially during its early growth stages.

This cultivar requires minimal maintenance and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-care option for gardeners seeking year-round visual interest. Pruning is rarely necessary, though it can be done lightly to maintain its shape. Overall, Picea abies 'Pusch' is a striking and versatile choice for anyone looking to add a splash of colour and texture to their garden or landscape design.

Pinus pinaster, commonly known as the Maritime Pine, is a striking evergreen conifer well suited to larger gardens, particularly in coastal or exposed locations. Native to southern Europe, it is valued for its toughness, fast growth and distinctive rugged character.

Maritime Pine develops a tall trunk with a broad, irregular crown as it matures. Its long, deep green needles create a textured canopy that moves attractively in the wind, while the thick, fissured bark becomes richly coloured with age, adding visual interest throughout the year. Large cones form on the branches and can remain on the tree for several seasons.

This species thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils, performing particularly well in sandy or poorer ground where many other trees struggle. It is highly tolerant of wind and salt-laden air, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens or exposed rural settings.

Because of its eventual size, Maritime Pine is best used as a specimen tree or part of a naturalistic landscape planting. It provides height, structure and year-round greenery, creating a bold focal point while also contributing to shelter and habitat within the garden environment.

The Larix decidua, commonly known as the European Larch, is a distinctive deciduous conifer that brings year-round interest and strong architectural character to a garden. Unlike most conifers, it sheds its soft needles in autumn, creating a beautiful seasonal display as the foliage turns warm golden yellow before falling.

European Larch is best suited to medium to large gardens where it has space to develop into an elegant tree. It forms a tall, upright shape with gently spreading branches that allow light to filter through, making it less heavy in appearance than many evergreen conifers. In spring, clusters of fresh bright green needles emerge along the branches, often accompanied by small decorative cones that add further visual interest.

This species thrives in full sun and prefers moist but well-drained soil. It performs particularly well in cooler climates and is very hardy, making it reliable in most UK gardens. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance and tolerant of exposed positions.

Because of its graceful structure and seasonal colour changes, European Larch works beautifully as a specimen tree in lawns, parkland-style gardens, or large landscapes where its natural form can be fully appreciated.

Pinus tabuliformis, commonly known as the Chinese Red Pine, is a striking evergreen conifer well suited to larger gardens, parklands, and naturalistic landscapes where its distinctive form can be appreciated. Native to northern China, this species is admired for its architectural branching, dense green needles, and rich reddish-brown bark, which adds year-round visual interest and character.

Chinese Red Pine thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil but is remarkably adaptable, tolerating a variety of soil types, including sandy or moderately poor ground. It is hardy and resilient, able to withstand exposed positions, wind, and varying climatic conditions, making it a reliable choice for gardens in temperate regions.

This pine develops a broad, irregular crown with mature trees often exhibiting an elegant, layered structure. Its dense foliage provides shelter for wildlife while still allowing dappled light to filter through, creating a sense of openness beneath the canopy.

Because of its eventual size and spread, Chinese Red Pine is best planted as a specimen tree or within woodland-style settings where it can grow naturally. Its combination of architectural form, hardiness, and year-round interest makes it a highly attractive and enduring addition to spacious garden landscapes.

Pinus wallichiana, commonly known as the Bhutan Pine, is a majestic and elegant evergreen conifer well suited to large gardens, parklands, and naturalistic landscapes. Native to the Himalayas, it is admired for its graceful, conical form, long soft blue-green needles, and layered, slightly pendulous branches, which give it a serene and ornamental presence throughout the year.

Bhutan Pine thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, although it is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy or moderately poor ground. It is hardy once established, tolerating cold winters and exposed positions, making it a reliable choice for temperate climates. Its growth habit is upright but relaxed, and mature trees develop a broad, elegant crown that adds structure and vertical interest to the garden.

This pine works particularly well as a specimen tree where it can be fully appreciated, or as part of a woodland-style planting scheme. Its soft, cascading foliage allows dappled light beneath, creating a tranquil, airy atmosphere. With minimal maintenance, strong architectural form, and year-round ornamental appeal, Bhutan Pine provides a striking focal point and a sense of timeless serenity in spacious garden landscapes.

Pinus strobus, commonly known as the Weymouth Pine, is a stately and graceful evergreen conifer well suited to larger gardens, parklands, and naturalistic landscapes. Native to North America, it is admired for its elegant, conical form, soft bluish-green needles, and relatively fast growth, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a tree that combines visual appeal with practicality.

Weymouth Pine thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, though it is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy or moderately poor ground. Its slender, upright crown and flexible branches create a light, airy canopy that allows dappled sunlight beneath, contributing to a sense of openness in the garden while providing habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Over time, its bark develops a textured, rugged appearance, adding year-round interest. While it can tolerate coastal exposure and relatively harsh conditions once established, it performs best in sheltered to moderately exposed positions.

Due to its eventual height and spread, Weymouth Pine is best used as a specimen tree or part of a woodland-style planting where it can grow freely. Its combination of elegance, resilience, and natural woodland character makes it a striking and enduring addition to spacious garden settings.

Thujopsis dolabrata is a distinctive evergreen conifer that makes an excellent structural plant for many garden settings. Native to Japan, it forms a dense, pyramidal tree with thick, glossy dark-green foliage and attractive silvery markings on the undersides of the leaves, adding visual interest throughout the year.

This slow-growing conifer is well suited to medium or large gardens where a long-lived, architectural specimen is desired. It performs best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and prefers a position in full sun or partial shade. Sheltered locations are ideal, particularly in colder or exposed gardens, as this helps protect the foliage from harsh winter winds.

In a garden design, it works beautifully as a focal point in lawns, woodland gardens, or mixed shrub borders. Its neat habit and rich foliage colour provide a strong evergreen backdrop for flowering shrubs and perennials. Because it grows slowly and maintains a naturally tidy shape, it requires very little pruning or maintenance.

The tree can eventually reach around 10–15 metres in height over many years, but its gradual growth makes it manageable for long-term planting schemes. Hardy and relatively trouble-free, Thujopsis dolabrata is valued for its unusual foliage, strong form, and year-round presence in the garden.