What are Miniature Conifers

• Natural slow growing conifers that have not been deliberately stunted can be grown as miniatures.
• The annual rate of growth is ¼” 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.

Little Conifer Tips

• 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.

Read more on Gardeners tips

Miniature and Dwarf Conifers  from above

Other Conifer Tips

• 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