Vitax Conifer & Shrub Fertiliser,

Product Information

Conifers are not heavy feeders; perform a soil test and fertilize according to the needs indicated. Many soils do not require any fertilizer. Garden centers often sell bio-stimulants for conifers that enhance root growth and are beneficial to newly planted conifers. Mulching

Conifers are highly adaptable, usually grown for the colour, texture and structural diversity they bring to the garden throughout the year. Foliage comes in a wide range of colours and there is a conifer for just about every situation in the garden. They are invaluable in that they provide year-round ornamental value, in contrast to many deciduous shrubs which only provide interest for a limited part of the year. Conifers are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, demonstrated by the way they occupy almost all major landscapes from the dark forests of the west coast of Alaska to the centre of the Sahara; the Arctic to the Equator; and lowland savannas by the sea to near the perpetual snow line of the highest mountains. Conifers lose moisture through their spiky needles, leaving them prone to dehydration. So, they really rely on root-sourced moisture. This becomes a problem on frosty days, as frozen soil doesn’t give out water. Conifers’ needles can brown as a result. Rounded forms can soften the sharp angles of a home’s architecture and outdoor structures and lend an air of formality. Dwarf Norway Spruce, with its spreading-rounded habit, can be a good cover-up for unsightly mechanical equipment. To obscure any undesirable features of your home’s foundation, plant Dwarf Scotch Pine or Danica Arborvitae. The rugged and adaptable Hetz Mini Arborvitae can be used in formal and modern-style gardens. It grows well in dry climates.

When to Plant Conifers

Soil: Conifers require loamy, acidic soil to grow. It should also be very well-drained and rich in organic matter. Want one that looks truly special? Seek out hand-crafted topiary forms. And note the difference that Monrovia's painstaking process makes. Topiaries in the green Monrovia pot have been hand-shaped for years. They will be fuller, with no brown or bare patches.

These finely fronded hedges are adept at soaking up toxins from the air, especially traffic emissions due to the hedges being down at exhaust level. Research has proven that they're far more effective than trees at removing particulates from the air in the immediate vicinity as a result. Subsequently, this type of hedging has seen a resurgence in popularity for planting schemes in towns and cities. Hedging rather than walling or fencing also offers a more natural aesthetic and brings colour to built-up areas, also benefiting people's health and wellbeing. Your conifer needs watering when the weather is hot. This may seem obvious (all plants need water!), but it’s easy to forget to water your conifer, thinking that rain will have this covered already. Cypress aphid ( Cinara cupressivora) is a relatively common cause of brown patches.A collaborative research project between the RHS and East Malling Research found cypress aphid to be associated with half of the cases of brown patches investigated. Before planting, uncover the tree’s root flare—where the trunk expands at the base. This is so that you can ensure the flare is slightly above the soil surface. Planting too deeply will result in the declining health of the tree. Water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes. Water 2-3 times per week for the first several weeks and then once per week. For further watering, place your finger 5-8cm (2-3in) deep and water if the soil feels dry. Do not overwater.As with any plant; dead, dying damaged or diseased branches should be removed immediately regardless of the time of year. Just remember that they’re thirstier than you might expect, that good moisture retention and good drainage are both required, and the over-zealous pruning will cause way more harm than good. Foliage colour — this can be various shades of green, blue and yellow, as well as variegated. Some plants such as Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans’ and Microbiota decussata take on red hues in winter. See our list of conifers for smaller gardens for suggestions with various foliage colours.

When it’s time to prune, be gentle. Only take off a small amount, and do this only in April through August. For your conifer to establish properly you will need to initially be diligent with watering. In return your new conifer will provide texture and character to your garden for a lifetime. Feeding Advice Needle Cast encompasses diseases that cause conifers to shed their needles. Conifers suffering from Needle Cast will experience needle discolouration. First, the lush green needles will develop yellow spots, then fade to brown. Many gardeners get a little over-enthusiastic when pruning their conifers, out of a desire to keep them looking neat and trimmed. For the first couple of winters, it can be helpful to surround the base of the trunk with a straw mat to protect it from cold, harsh winds.For proper growth, plant conifers in a well-drained, slightly acidic and organic-rich soil. Creation of raised beds can solve the problem of bad drainage. If you have problem with soil type, you should consider blending in a mixture of half ericaceous and half normal multi-purpose compost with the soil. Firm down the soil with your toe pointing towards the conifer so you're not pushing the conifer down, just firming the soil around it. Then cover the ground where you've firmed the conifer in.