Succeeding in planting conifers

Details
Green needles all year round, the resin fragrance and for some a Bonsai shape: Conifers really have attractive features!

A big diversity
Conifers are numerous in nature and the horticulture has added several varieties. There is always an exception to the rule regarding conifers. But it also means that there is always a conifer for a certain need. And this is really appreciated! For once settled, these are really trouble-free plants not needing a lot of looking after.

Before anything else, a free draining soil
Once you have chosen your conifer's variety, offer it the soil which will make it thrive. Most of the conifers, indeed, like soils which let the water run freely and therefore, well drained soils even if they are poor. If the roots of the conifers find themselves constantly in contact with humidity, they might suffer. Of course there are a few exceptions, like the Swamp Cypress (Taxodium), which prefers humid soils.

Far reaching roots
Dig a hole not only larger than the earth ball of the conifer to be planted, but also a lot deeper. Of course, we are not talking here about burying your conifer, but to decompress the soil in depth, as its roots are going to develop just as much widthways than deeply. If your soil is compact, because of the traffic of vehicles or building machines for example, the loosening up of the soil in its depth is going to be crucial in the regrowth of your conifer.

Intact earth ball
Place your conifer in its planting hole without loosening up the earth ball: Conifers hate that! On the contrary, put back the soil against and around the earth ball without compacting it with your feet. It is the copious watering of the conifer which will allow the soil to blend in with the roots. Do not forget to copiously water your conifer during the first summers. These plants resist well to drought, but only when well established!

Which fertiliser?
Conifers generally do not need fertiliser as they are plants which know how to manage in poor soils. However, a conifer hedge which is pruned regularly needs a helping hand to regrow. Choose a slow release fertiliser, to bring in preferably at the end of winter.

Growing conifers in pots?
Conifers really do well in pots, especially Pines and dwarf conifers. Plant them in a good quality compost (heath peat is not essential although it suits them well). Water your conifer when the soil dries out in surface in summer: when they are thirsty, it does not necessarily show and they can suffer from dryness without you noticing it.
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