Month: August 2024

For about two weeks in spring, deep red new growth gives this uncommon cultivar a surprising look for a spruce. Gradually, the foliage changes to reddish-brown and then to green. Although it grows less quickly than the species, Picea abies ‘Rubra Spicata’ eventually becomes a large tree with an open habit. Found in Czechoslovakia in 1973, propagated in England, and introduced to the United States in 1981. Mature size: 25’H x 15’W Zone 3

Beautiful blue needles are long and thin, and densely cover Pinus peuce ‘Pacific Blue’. Selected from a group of P.p. ‘Glauca’ seedlings for its pleasing color. Multi-year needle persistence makes for a thick and full specimen with good form. Native to SE Europe, it is very cold and wind tolerant. Mature size: 20’H x 15’W Zone 4

Picea glauca ‘Sanders Blue’ is an attractive, Alberta-type spruce that displays a medley of foliage color as needles change at different rates from bright slate blue to more on the green side. Similar in size and shape to P.g. ‘Conica’, the pointed, conical conifer makes a novel, seemingly textural, focal point that produces the best color in colder climates. Mature size: 6’H x 3’W Zone 4

The twisting, undulating branches of Pseudotsuga menziesii ‘Torquis’ create a sense of motion and evoke wonder in those who see the prominent, sculptural tree. Rich, dark green needles decorate the magnificent specimen, which makes a dramatic statement in a spacious garden. We are pleased to offer this selection from Pat Wells, Moscow, Idaho. Mature size: 25’H x 15’W Zone 4

Exuberant cone production, even when young, distinguishes Pinus strobus ‘Macopin’ from other White Pine cultivars. The mid-size tree develops an open, irregular habit with broad branches and soft, blue-green foliage. Originated as a witch’s broom found by Wm. Gotelli and George Erhle at Macopin, New Jersey. Mature Size: 10’H x 8’W Zone 3

Picea abies ‘Dandylion is a colorful mounding form of Norway Spruce. Small red female cones form on the tips of yellow shoots. Branches arch up and down, spreading to fill space. Relatively short needles provide a fine texture. Selected by Bob Fincham in 2002, it was a seedling from a cross of the heavily coned Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ and weeping ‘Gold Drift’. Mature size: 4’H x 4’H Zone 3

A dark green, compact selection, the irregularly mounding Picea abies ‘Mucronata’ produces thick, stiff shoots with large, brown buds. Plants grow slowly when young, but as they mature, the rate of growth accelerates and they eventually develop leaders with several sub-leaders. Mature size 6’H x 4’W Zone 4

Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ from Denmark is deservedly popular for its narrow, uniform habit and glossy, green foliage in summer and winter. A hit since its introduction, it also displays resistance to spider mites. Hardy, durable and adaptable to many conditions. Mature size: 15’H x 3’W Zone 4

Pinus nigra ‘Helga’ is slow-growing, rounded form with white buds that contrast against fresh, spring green needles. The attractive, fluffy form was discovered as a witch’s broom on a 60-year-old Pinus nigra in Germany. An excellent choice for small space gardens, containers and courtyards, even in sandy, coastal soils. An excellent stand-alone specimen or part of a broad, multi-plant border. Mature size: 8’H x 8’W Zone 4

Pinus strobus ‘Angel Falls’ originated as a slow-growing seedling of P.s. ‘Pendula’ in 1981 at Iseli Nursery. ‘Angel Falls’ has very long, very narrow, light green needles and a strong weeping habit. Its closely held branches develop graceful draping forms that combine a tall, narrow stature with a broad, flowing skirt. After 20 years of evaluation, the unique tree offers elegance and style and was named after the renowned Venezuelan waterfall. Zone 3