what isthis conifer

banner · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 4:31 pm Post subject: what isthis conifer

Does anyone know what this little conifer* is? It was in a basket at aldi but the label does not say. It is very soft to touch

* Ithink it is a conifer

Greengage · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 5:27 pm Post subject:

Cant tell from the pic so hold on Ill go to Aldi and have a look as Arnie would say "Ill be Back"

tippben · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 6:32 pm Post subject:

I'd guess Cupressus macrocarpa "Goldcrest". Dwarf form of the species, growing to about 25', at about 1' a year once established. It'll grow in a container at a reduced rate, but will quickly start to look sparse, brown and shabby, no matter how much feed it gets, and will need to be replaced after a few years.

Greengage · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 6:36 pm Post subject:

Had a look and they were all gone its probably Cupressus macrocarpa "Goldcrest"
When your finished with it dont be tempted to plant it in the garden it will grow 90ft in time dump it.

banner · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 6:43 pm Post subject:

tippben · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 9:57 pm Post subject:

Well yeah, as I said, in 10 years, 25' or more depending. They live and grow for a lot longer than that, and if the conditions suit it... If you have the space, and like it, then go for it. I'd recommend at least 100' from the house, as the roots will form a very big plate. You might not be there to see it, but others will. Otherwise, chuck it.

I personally think they're a horrible tree, as most people grow them. However, as they are a relatively recent introduction, nobody has ever seen a properly mature specimen, so perhaps it is too soon to pass judgement!

Greengage · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 12:19 pm Post subject:

You will have to take into account what people say here, and best advice is chuck it ASAP, Ive seen these 30 feet and have removed lots people plant it out in a bed near the house and suddenly you have a monster, A neighbour has two planted in a small garden the were 30cms when they went out about 2 years ago now they are 2 meters and growing. Same as the variegated popolar that were all the rage a few years ago now they are gone even garden centers will not sell them.