Many of the slow-growing forms also take on attractive winter colouring, particularly if they are planted in full exposure. The following are usually available: 'Bandai-Sugi' (syn. 'Nana'), an excellent 4ft(i.25m) shrub with distinctive contorted growth, eventually growing into a specimen of great character; 'Globosa Nana', a greener dome of attractively presented branchlets, and making a shrub of 4 by 4(1.25 by 1.25m) when fully grown; 'Jindai-Sugi' a dense, small, tight, slow-growing specimen of 4 to 5(1.25 to 1.5m); 'Spiralis', a dome of twisted branchlets; and the much dwarler 'Vilmoriniana', eventually 2 by 2ft(6o by 60cm) and extremely well coloured in winter. x CUPRESSOCYPARIS LEYLANDII (Leyland cypress) Probably the fastest growing and most satisfactory conifer for use as a screening evergreen is the intergeneric hybrid x Cupressocyparis leylandii. Thousands of reasonably priced plants are used annually and there is no doubt that this conifer has no rival where a quick return is required and when the need arises for a good dense screen. Eventually far too large for the smaller garden, plans should be made to use the Leyland cypress as a "nurse" for a more suitable long-term, slower-growing screen. It grows rapidly into a fine broad column, eventually up to 75(22.501) tall. As to the choice of nursery stock, choose containerised plants of Ц to 2ft(45 to 60cm) or 2 to 3ft(6ocm to 1m) in height; larger stock can be more difficult to establish and smaller plants will rapidly overtake recently planted tall plants. CUPRESSUS (cypress) The true cypresses have among their ranks a number of highly desirable species and cultivars of medium growth. Cupressus glabra 'Pyramidalis', a grey blue cone of 3oft(9m) makes an excellent specimen when well established. Cupressus macrocarpa was once used extensively as a cheap hedging plant; it is now rarely offered for such purposes, it being recognised as useless, mainly because of its intense dislike of the shears. The species has produced a number of very good golden forms, some having attractive juvenile foliage; 'Donard Gold' and 'Goldcrest' are the ones most usually available. If you live in a mild area or your garden is particularly well sheltered, the Italian cypress, Cupressus sempervirens, can be used with confidence. This is the characteristic slim, dark green column which is such a part of the Mediterranean landscape. If this species is unsuitable, as it is throughout much of Britain, for climatic reasons, then turn to Lawson's cypress of similar habit (see p.58) which will be equally useful and totally reliable. JUNIPERUS (juniper) The large genus Juniperus has much to offer the gardener. Junipers are usually tough, hardy inhabitants of poor soil and hard conditions. A good example is, of course, Juniperus communis, one of the three British native conifers. juniperus chinensis and its cultivars are typically small, narrow, conical trees, many with very prickly juvenile leaves.