Little Conifers Little Tree Tips

Natural slow growing conifers that have not been deliberately stunted can be grown as miniatures.
The annual rate of growth is Â¼” to 1″
Miniature conifers can be grown from several species including abies, pine, picea, chamaecyparis, cryptomeria and juniper
They are propagated from seed or as cuttings of existing miniatures.
Cuttings from sports or mutations can produce new varieties.
True miniatures differ from dwarf varieties and slow growers which also produce small trees
Miniatures are the shortest of the conifer family used in alpine gardens, scree gardens, troughs and display pots.

Miniatures can grow in troughs with 3″ depth of soil or in window boxes.
Allow them to spread the roots rather than delve too deeply
If grown as commemorative trees they can become long lived family treasures.
Contour the site in proportion to the trees you are growing making allowance for the anticipated height
Do not allow trees to be heavily overshadowed or left too dry.
Beware juvenile foliage may look different.

It is natural for evergreens to lose some leaves and the brown bits can be gently cleared away in spring.
Spray a magnesium solution as a pick me up. This may be needed if the tree is loosing colour or the ends of leaves are exuding sap.
too much general fertiliser encourages coarse growth
Repot when roots fill to the side of the pot. It may be necessary. to shake off old soil and drainage material

Gardeners Tips