Conifers are great autumn staple plants, often regarded as old-fashioned but deserve a second look. These evergreen trees offer a unique blend of beauty, practicality, and environmental benefits, making them a valuable addition to any garden. To celebrate National Conifer Week (21st to 29th September), the plant team at British Garden Centres has put together this guide on these often overlooked autumnal gems.

One of the most popular features of conifers is their year-round interest. Unlike deciduous trees that shed their leaves in winter, conifers retain their evergreen foliage and sprays throughout the year, providing a constant source of texture and colour, when other plants are dormant. Conifers come in many diverse shapes and sizes, ranging from towering pines to creeping junipers, allowing them to fit seamlessly into various outdoor settings.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, conifers also offer practical advantages making them appealing for the novice gardener. Many conifer varieties are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for dry weather. Their dense foliage can reduce privacy and noise, creating a more peaceful back garden. Also, conifers are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal pruning or feeding and provide valuable habitat for wildlife, offering food and shelter for birds, mammals, and insects.

When choosing conifers for your garden, it's important to consider your setting and where you want to plant them, soil conditions, and desired growth habits. Some popular conifer species include pines, spruces, firs, cedars, and junipers.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, conifers offer a wealth of possibilities. Here are some specific conifer varieties that you may consider for your garden this autumn:

• Juniperus squamata Blue Star: This dwarf juniper features silvery-blue foliage and a compact, spreading habit. It is an excellent choice for rock gardens or containers.
• Platycladus Aurea Nana: This golden conifer has bright yellow foliage that retains its colour throughout the year. It is a versatile plant that can be used as a hedge and borders.
• Chamaecyparis Boulevard: This compact cypress has a dense, pyramidal shape and bright green foliage. It is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for small spaces and containers.
• Thuja occidentalis Golden Tuffet: This golden conifer has a rounded, mounded shape and bright yellow foliage. It is a popular choice for small spaces due to its compact size or as a centrepiece in containers.
• Juniperus Lime Glow: This juniper is a low-maintenance conifer that adds year-round interest to your garden. Its bright green foliage with yellow tips provides a cheerful contrast to other plants in the autumn and winter months.
• Picea sitchensis Papoose: This dwarf spruce has a compact, pyramidal shape and bright green foliage. It is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for small spaces.
• Taxus baccata David: A popular low-growing, dwarf conifer known for its compact, rounded shape and dark green foliage. It's often referred to as a dwarf English yew.
• Cryptomeria jap Little Champion: This dwarf Japanese cedar is a versatile and low-maintenance conifer that adds year-round interest to a garden. Its compact size and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for many gardeners.
• Juniperus communis Repanda: This spreading juniper has a low, mounded habit and bright green foliage. It is an excellent groundcover plant.
• Cupressus macrocarpa Wilma: This dwarf Monterey cypress has a compact, rounded shape and bright green foliage. It is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for small spaces.
• Pinus mugo Mops: This is a popular dwarf conifer known for its compact, rounded shape and dark green needles. It's often referred to as dwarf mountain pine or Swiss mountain pine.

Julian Palphramand, Head of British Garden Centres said: “Conifers often get overlooked as seasonal plants, but they offer a unique and enduring beauty in the garden throughout the year. Their evergreen foliage provides a welcome contrast to the vibrant colours of autumn, while their structures and diverse textures add depth and interest to any garden. We encourage gardeners to rediscover the charm of conifers and explore the wide range of varieties available at your local British Garden Centres store."