Height30-50cm

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Fast-growing, majestic evergreen conifer with fragrant dark-green needles and distinctive cones. Produces high-quality, strong timber valued for construction, joinery and poles. Handsome specimen tree for large gardens or parks; more drought-tolerant than many other conifers once established and suited to climate change scenarios in suitable sites.

Key growing conditions

• Full sun preferred
• Well-drained mineral soils (loamy or sandy), acid to neutral pH – avoid chalk/calcareous, waterlogged or heavy compacted ground
• Best in humid areas with >700 mm rainfall (performs particularly well in western Britain); tolerates some summer drought better than spruce
• Sheltered sites – intolerant of strong exposure; sensitive to late spring frosts when young
• Fully hardy

When to plant

• Bare-root: dormant season, typically November–April (avoid frozen or waterlogged ground)

How to plant

• Dig a hole large enough for the roots to spread without bending
• Plant so the root collar sits at soil level; firm gently and water well
• Improve poor drainage with cultivation if needed; mulch to suppress weeds
• Space 2–2.5 m apart for timber plantations (approx. 2,000–2,500 trees/ha); give much more room for specimen trees (mature height often 30–50 m+)
• Protect from deer and rabbits (highly palatable)

Aftercare

• Keep weed-free for the first few years
• Water in dry spells until established
• Minimal pruning needed; remove competing leaders on young trees if required
• Thin regularly in commercial stands to produce quality timber

Best suited to sheltered, well-drained sites in larger gardens, parks or woodland plantings rather than small or exposed urban plots. Can perform well if grown in a matrix with other species.