Conifers

WHAT ARE CONIFERS? Conifers are a group of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs known for their needle-like or scale-like foliage and cone-bearing seeds. These plants include well-known genera such as Cupressus (Cypress), Pinus (Pine), Cedrus (Cedar), Juniperus (Juniper), and Thuja (Arborvitae).

They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and foliage colours – from compact groundcovers to towering trees – making them a valuable addition to all types of landscape projects.

WHY CHOOSE CONIFERS? Conifers offer year-round structure, colour, and low-maintenance appeal. Their evergreen foliage ensures the garden remains lush and vibrant throughout all seasons. With their naturally neat forms and strong architectural presence, conifers suit both formal and informal garden styles.

Benefits of Conifers in Landscape Design:

Evergreen Colour Their dense, year-round foliage keeps gardens green and lush through all seasons. Foliage may range from classic deep greens to striking silvery blues and golden tones.

Strong Architectural Form Many conifers exhibit naturally neat, symmetrical or sculptural growth habits. Varieties like Cupressus sempervirens Glauca create striking silhouettes and lend a formal or dramatic effect.

Low Maintenance & Hardy Many species are drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and slow-growing, requiring minimal upkeep once established. Varieties such as Thuja occidentalis Smaragd are especially valued for their hardiness.

Versatile Uses Whether you need upright screening plants like Cupressocyparis leylandii, compact topiary forms such as Taxus baccata, or groundcovers like Juniperus conferta, there's a conifer for nearly every landscape function.

Ideal for Privacy & Shelter Tall-growing types like Callitris gracilis or Thuja varieties make excellent living screens or windbreaks, providing structure, privacy, and shelter for gardens or outdoor spaces

HOW TO USE CONIFERS IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Conifers can be used in countless creative ways in the landscape. Whether you’re aiming for bold structure, privacy, or textural contrast, there’s a conifer to suit your project.

Formal Screening & Hedging: Varieties like Thuja occidentalis, Cupressocyparis leylandii, or Callitris gracilis form dense, upright screens perfect for boundary planting or privacy hedges.

Feature Plants & Specimens: Create bold focal points using sculptural types like Cedrus atlantica Glauca Pendula, Pinus pinea (Italian Stone Pine), or Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine).

Topiary & Structured Planting: Dwarf conifers or compact types like Juniperus chinensis Kaizuka and Taxus baccata are ideal for clipping into shapes for formal gardens and topiary work.

Groundcovers & Rock Gardens: Low-growing conifers like Juniperus horizontalis Glauca provide a spreading, cascading form that works beautifully in rockeries, slopes, or over retaining walls.

Coastal & Tough Conditions: Many conifers are wind, salt, and drought-tolerant, making them excellent choices for exposed or low-water-use landscapes.

FIND THE PERFECT CONIFER AT PLANTMARK

From structured hedges to bold specimens and low-maintenance groundcovers, conifers offer design solutions for every landscape style and need. At Plantmark, our expert team can help you choose the right variety based on your project’s scale, site conditions, and desired look.

Visit one of our Trade Markets in Melbourne, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast, or contact our Quotes & Orders team to find the ideal conifer for your next landscape design