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Resembling an elegant, tapered candle with silvery, blue-green foliage, Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’ makes a superior, vertical accent, especially in containers, the rock garden and other small spaces. Its dense, vertical branches grow very slowly and stay in perfect scale with other choice rockery plants. Mature size: 3’H x 1’W Zone 4

An outstanding, underutilized hemlock, Tsuga canadensis ‘Cole’s Prostrate’ is a spreading cultivar with stiff main branches that knuckle under and bend downwards to create a truly prostrate form. Gnarly interior branches show off the plant’s silver bark, which adds dimension to the exceptional, low plant. Use the garden gem to drape over or around stones or walls in a site with partial shade. Alternatively, stake the plant for some height to create all kinds of interest. Mature Size: 6″H x 4’W Zone 4

Pinus mugo ‘Valley Cushion’ offers a spreading habit to the mix of TRUdwarf^® mugo choices. The very compact, dense pine stays low and flat, much wider than tall. Reddish, new buds complement the short, medium green needles, and plants grow very slowly, so they require little or no pruning. Selected at the North Willamette Research Station in Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley, this cultivar is extremely hardy and an excellent choice for cold parts of the country. Mature size: 1’H x 4’W Zone 2

Picea glauca ‘Jean’s Dilly’ (pronounced “John’s”) this extraordinary, Alberta-type selection bears the name of dwarf conifer pioneer Jean Iseli. ‘Jean’s Dilly’ was named by his brother, Andre’, to note the plant’s remarkable qualities. Much smaller, denser and slower growing than other Alberta types, its short, fine needles display a distinctive twist during the growing season. Spring growth starts about 3-4 weeks later than P.g. ‘Conica’s. Found at Iseli Nursery in 1981, this signature plant is a fitting choice to honor the co-founder of Iseli Nursery. Mature size: 3’H x 1’W Zone 4

More durable, adaptable and dense than the popular ‘Compressa,’ this improved selection sports the same compact, bluish green foliage and upright habit. It differs, though, in its broader pyramidal shape and its better tolerance to wind, cold and reflected sun. Try this reliable, vertical accent that is well suited for containers and a range of styles, from elegant to casual. Mature size: 3’H x 1.5’W Zone 4

Tufts of tiny green needles cover the many short shoots of this dense, tight bun. Originally a witch’s broom on ‘Nidiformis’ and more ball-like than its parent, Picea abies ‘Little Gem’ was discovered in 1958 and has been an extremely popular plant ever since. Its tough constitution and restrained growth assure good performance in a variety of garden situations where it resembles a lush, green pincushion. Mature size: 1’H x 2’W Zone 3

Pinus densiflora ‘Globosa’ provides gardens with superior year-round beauty. Its many upright branches create a dense, structural form, like an egg on its end. The needles, which are shorter and darker green than those of the Tanyosho types, stand up well to both cold and drought. Attractive bark with age. Mature Size: 6’H x 6’W Zone 4

Fresh green needles and a compact habit make the slow-growing Picea abies ‘Tompa’ a great choice for smaller landscapes and rock gardens. Its wide, conical shape resembles the well-known Alberta Spruce for which it is a superior alternative. Mature size: 3’H x 2’W Zone 3

Pinus sylvestris ‘Hillside Creeper’ is a classy creeper that spreads out and forms a flat mesa of layered branches that are covered with thick, green needles. The vigorous, hardy pine, lighter green in winter, makes an excellent ground-covering option for banks or walls or tucked in and around boulders. Found as a seedling by Layne Ziegenfus of Hillside Gardens, Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Mature size: 2’H x 10’W