Almost all conifers are evergreen, with scale or needle-like leaves, but there is a tremendous variety of shape (columnar, conical, horizontal, weeping, or bushy) and colour (plain green, blue, grey, golden yellow, bronze, and variegated) within the group.
We all know about the 'dwarf' conifer that was planted on the rockery a few years ago, and somehow (when no-one was looking) turned into a ten foot monster!
The description 'dwarf' applies to all the slower growing varieties of conifers, but many will indeed keep growing and eventually reach 10ft or more, it's more a matter of their speed of growth than their actual final height. Whilst there are a few varieties of true natural dwarf conifers that will never reach much more than 2ft (e.g. some of the Junipers), always read the labels carefully and if in any doubt, ask us for advice when making a purchase.
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After purchasing and planting conifers, many people tend to leave them to it. It is worth remembering that, even though conifers are evergreen, they still require watering well in order to get established.
Provide them with plenty of watering support for as much as 9 months of the year, especially if they are being grown in tubs or containers.