Conifers in the Landscape

 

Conifers are a great options in the landscape. The add  structure, color, and interest year round.  The simplest definition of a conifer is a plant that bears cones instead of flowers; however, some cones can be difficult to recognize.  Junipers are conifers whose cones scales are tightly closed making them resemble berries. The ancient Ginkgo tree is a conifer and Yews are also in the same category. 

Conifers include pines, cedars, junipers, cypress, Douglas fir, firs, hemlock, redwoods, yews, and spruces. It is a diverse beautiful group of trees and shrubs that are fantastic in the landscape.

Needles of pines are sheathed in groups of 2, 3, or five. Well know cultivars are Austrian pine, Scotch pine, and Mugo pine.  They need full sun and are fast growing.  Deer will eat pines.

Spruces produce their needles singularly attached to the stem. The needles are not flat as in most conifers and are shed periodically.  The cones dangle from the branches and remain for several months.  This makes them a beautiful specimen in the garden.  Examples are Dwarf Alberta spruces, Blue Spruce, and Norway spruce. Deer seem to leaves spruces alone.

Firs have flat needles are attached in pairs by a cup shaped base, and cones that are held upright.  The needles are soft rather than stiff. Douglas fir is actually not a true fir. The prefer cool moist climates.

Cedars produce needles in bunches, with cones that are upright on the top of the branches.

Hemlock needles grow singularly and opposite each other on the branch. Their cones are held upright. They can be fussy to grow and want a sheltered spot in the garden.

Yews have flat needles. They produce a red cone that we call a berry on female plants. They grow well in shade but may be damaged by strong winds. They can be pruned and sheared into hedges.

Arborvitae foliage forms in flat branchlets with scale like mature foliage.  Arborvitae evergreens are shrubs or small trees, however some will reach 40 to 60 feet tall.  Many of the varieties are quite hardy, but some may be susceptible to injury by late frosts or winter desiccation. 

Conifers are easy to maintain and establish. Fertilizer is generally unnecessary even for mature, established evergreens. 

With deer a big problem in my area, I was forced to replace much of my landscape. Conifers were top on my list. There are so many options and many are deer resistant. The new growth in spring is soft and subtly colored. Cones only add to their intrigue. In winter they provide beauty and interest and shelter.

Here are some of my favorite conifer that are incorporated into my landscape: Red Cone Norway Spruce, Gold Tipped Oriental Spruce. Oregon Green Austrian Pine, Vanderwolf's Pyramid Limber Pine, and Fat Albert Blue Spruce.