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The glossy green needles of Abies veitchii ‘Heddergott’ are arranged perfectly to expose their brilliant bright white undersides giving the plant the appearance of a winter frost, even in the heat of summer. A dwarf, low growing, rounded, spreading plant, this durable selection from Germany is the perfect size for the home landscape Mature size: 4’H x 6’W Zone 4

The bright steel blue foliage of Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Blue Moon’ adds a special color element to the garden, featuring short stiff branches covered with juvenile foliage that develop into a tight, compact ball with minimal shearing required to maintain its tidy form. ‘Blue Moon’ can be planted as a single color accent or in groupings for bright blocks of color. An excellent choice for foundation plantings also. Grows best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Mature size: 4’H x 4’W Zone 4

In spring, the bright colored pollen cones of Pinus parviflora ‘Bergman’ provide a dramatic contrast to the long, twisted, blue-green needles of this rare Japanese White Pine. Originally from Raraflora Nursery, Feasterville, Pennsylvania, the compact, rounded shrub or tree develops a wide, irregular, upright habit that makes a nice architectural accent. Mature size: 10’H x 8’W Zone 5

The new spring growth of Tsuga canadensis ‘Summer Snow’ is white, which produces a striking contrast against the dark green interior foliage on the fast-growing, upright, broad plant. Its size, shape and colorful growth make it an extremely useful highlight for shade gardens. Originally propagated by John Mitsch, Aurora, Oregon, ‘Summer Snow’ is becoming a favorite in gardens everywhere. Mature size: 10’H x 8’W Zone 4

In winter, Pinus mugo ‘White Bud’ shows off a subtle seasonal trait. Cold weather brings a white resinous coating to each terminal bud, producing a dramatic frosty effect against the plant’s dark green winter foliage. During the rest of the year, the reliable TRUdwarf^® plant requires little care and maintains its small stature without candle pruning. Highly desirable for rock garden, entry or border. Mature size: 3’H x 4’W Zone 2

Each example of Picea abies ‘Cobra’, a new seedling selection from Iseli Nursery, has its own wildly unique character that combines the ground-covering qualities of its parent, P.a. ‘Pendula’, with the bizarre, snake-like branching of Picea abies ‘Virgata’. When staked, trees have a relatively tall, straight, sparsely branched main trunk and a thick, ground-hugging skirt that radiates outward with dancing, cobra-like leaders. Best in full sun. Zone 3

Picea glauca ‘Big Berta’ is not your typical Dwarf Alberta Spruce, this cultivar is a “big ‘berta”. It has the same ‘Conica’ type juvenile foliage but the needles are much longer and growth rate is much faster, resulting in a more open form. A hybrid of Picea glauca ‘North Star’ and P. pungens ‘Montgomery, it’s a hardy choice for northern landscapes. Mature size: 12’H x 6’W Zone 2

Discovered as a witch’s broom by Don Shadow, Picea orientalis ‘Shadow’s Broom’ was given to Jean Iseli in 1984. This beautiful selection produces bright, spring-green new growth that quickly matures to one of the darkest, richest greens in the conifer world. Short, closely held, shiny, green needles cover the tree’s ascending, rigid branches. When young, ‘Shadow’s Broom’ frequently displays a funnel-like center. As it matures, a leader develops and it slowly becomes a broad, mounding specimen. Mature size: 6’H x 4’W Zone 4

Texture, color and an irregular sculptural habit give the adaptable, slow-growing Picea omorika ‘de Ruyter’ its unique character and make it an excellent focal point for the small garden. Individual shoots display either blue needles for a frosty look, or green needles for a softer look, both on the same plant. The interesting, rustic appearance will accent many garden styles. Mature size: 10’H x 8’W Zone 4

The blue needles and dense, weeping branches of Picea pungens ‘Pendula’ create a beautiful, cascading effect that is reminiscent of a waterfall. Whether staked upright and allowed to drape or simply permitted to ramble along the ground, ‘Pendula’ makes a graceful, dramatic statement in the garden. Zone 2