Growth Rate
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- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows approximately 6 to 12 inches per year under optimal conditions.
- Mature Height: Can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet.
- Mature Spread: Typically 3 to 4 feet wide.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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No |
Disease resistant
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Yes |
Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
Heat Tolerant
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No |
Drought Tolerant
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No |
Deer Resistant
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No |
Edible
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No |
Wildlife Attraction
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- Attracts birds and beneficial insects, providing a habitat and food source throughout the year.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Season of Interest: Year-round
- Winter Interest: Retains its rich green color through winter, providing a vibrant contrast against snow.
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Ideal For
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Privacy Screens and Hedges
Its upright, dense form is perfect for creating a natural privacy barrier or living fence in both small and large spaces.
Accent or Specimen Plant
Use singly or in pairs to frame entryways, driveways, or garden focal points with elegance and structure.
Windbreaks
Ideal for northern climates, it serves as a cold-hardy windbreak that holds its shape and color in tough winter conditions.
Foundation and Border Plantings
Excellent for planting along buildings or walkways where a narrow, vertical element is needed.
Formal Gardens
Fits beautifully into symmetrical or structured landscapes, especially where vertical interest and evergreen texture are needed.
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Leaf Description
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- Leaves: Scale-like and bright green, forming dense foliage that gives the plant its lush appearance.
- Texture: Soft to the touch, providing a pleasing texture in any garden.
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Flower Description
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- Flowering Period: Typically does not produce significant flowers.
- Flower Description: As a conifer, 'Brandon' primarily features cones rather than traditional flowers.
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Planting Instructions
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- Best Time to Plant: Spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.
- Planting Method: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Minimal pruning needed. Shape the plant lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain its form. |
Water Needs
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Water regularly during the first year to establish roots. Once established, it requires moderate watering, especially during dry spells. |
Light Needs
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Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. |
Harvesting
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Not applicable; primarily ornamental. |
Fertilizing
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Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. |
Additional Care Tips
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- Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it low-maintenance.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Pollination
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Wind-pollinated; does not require pollinators. |
Companion Plants
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🌸 Flowering Shrubs and Perennials:- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ – Large, creamy-white blooms offer seasonal drama against Brandon's evergreen backdrop
- Astilbe ‘Fanal’ – Feathery red plumes thrive in part shade and soften Brandon’s structure
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Summer blooms and upright form enhance the shrub’s narrow silhouette
🌾 Ornamental Grasses & Groundcovers:- Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ – Compact, silver-blue grass adds texture and color contrast
- Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ – Soft, arching habit with gold-variegated foliage brightens shady or partially sunny areas
- Pachysandra terminalis – Dense, evergreen groundcover for planting beneath or around the base
🌳 Structural and Evergreen Companions:- Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) – Round, compact form provides shape contrast in formal settings
- Berberis thunbergii ‘Concorde’ – Deep burgundy foliage creates striking visual interest
- Spiraea japonica ‘Goldmound’ – Bright spring foliage and soft blooms provide seasonal color variation
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