A golden variegated form of the very popular conifer, Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'. makes a tight cone shape of neat gold to yellow/green foliage, and is excellent as low screen or specimen. Height about 7ft x 3ft spread [2.4m x 90cm] in 10 years.

Dwarf and slow-growing varieties are ideal for the smaller garden and are invaluable in a rock garden setting to create shape and structure amongst dwarf shrubs, alpines, heathers and hardy cyclamen. With proper care, they can make good subjects for containers.

Taller growing varieties need plenty of space to develop and are better suited to larger gardens. We state height after 10 years but bear in mind that conifers continue to grow and will generally double in height in another 10 years.

Planting: Conifers prefer an open, sunny spot and a moist but well-drained soil. Add any humus material such as garden compost or spent compost. Watering after planting is essential, especially in spring and summer, and regularly thereafter if dry weather persists. Inadequate watering is the main cause of failure when establishing conifers.

Aftercare: One or two feeds with a slow release fertiliser each year such as bonemeal will maintain growth.