Category: Specialty Conifers

Pinus sylvestris ‘Beuvronensis’ is a choice, garden pine starting out as a broadly globose bush and developing into a dense, elegant form that is wider than tall. Plants respond well to candle pruning, which enhances the slow-growing pine’s density. Discovered as a witch’s broom on a scots pine in France and has been in cultivation for over 100 years. Also known as Dwarf Globe Scots Pine or Beuvron Scots Pine. Mature size: 10’H x 10’W Zone 3

Thuja occidentalis ‘DeGroot’s Spire’ has it all: habit, color and texture. It combines a narrow, columnar form with thick, ruffled, medium green foliage and branchlets that occasionally twist and layer over one another. Use the seedling selection from Sheridan Nursery, Ontario, Canada as a single exclamation point, in a grouping or lined up for tall screening in tight spaces. Hardy, durable and adaptable to many conditions. Mature size: 15’H x 3’W Zone 3

Millbrook Colorado Blue Spruce has tiered, gently weeping branches clad in slender, green-blue needles form an elegant cascade, suggesting a soothing fountain. Juxtapose this dwarf Colorado blue spruce with boulders or plant near a patio or stone wall to make the most of its soft texture. Originally found as a witch’s broom by C.J. “Joe” Stupka in Jamestown, Pennsylvania. Mature size: 3’H x 6’W Zone 2

‘Roundabout’ is a compact, green garden orb. Perhaps its color is better described as viridian, a sort of bluish green. Whatever color you perceive, it is a super hardy, symmetrical addition to the garden, like a spherical topiary that never needs shearing. Slow growing with needles in perfect scale to its small size, ‘Roundabout’ is a winner for today’s smaller landscapes. Loves full sun and well drained soil. ‘Roundabout’ was discovered at Iseli Nursery as a witch’s broom growing on Picea pungens ‘Green Spire’. Mature size: 3’H x 2’W Zone 2

Larix decidua ‘Puli’ is an elegant alternative to the common L.d. ‘Pendula’. When staked, its slender branches create a narrow silhouette that is more dense and lighter green than ‘Pendula’. If unstaked, ‘Puli’ branches spread out slowly along the ground and make an effective ground-cover. Very attractive in gardens with an Asian aesthetic. Grow in full sun. Mature size: Varies with culture Zone 2

The flagship cultivar in the Iseli Blues collection, Moonstone is an Iseli exclusive improvement of the popular globe blue spruce. This well-mannered little gem has bright blue foliage and maintains a compact, rounded form from youth to maturity. The perfect size and shape for suburban gardens, you can rely on Moonstone to add an easy-care pop of vivid blue to your landscape for years of enjoyment. Mature size: 2’H x 2’W Zone 2

A unique, slow-growing, character tree, Pinus banksiana ‘Al Johnson’ has an open, irregular habit that suggests exposure to harsh conditions. The rustic look is accentuated by silver bark and by candles that are so pitch-covered they look as if they have been dipped in wax. The extremely hardy conifer takes tough conditions and makes a striking feature in the rock garden or patio container. Mature size: 10’H x 8’W Zone 2

Picea pungens ‘Niemetz’ is a show-stopper in spring when a creamy white flush bursts open and has a striking contrast against the older blue foliage. The new growth gradually darkens to blue as the season progresses. With irregular form that is wider than tall when young, ‘Niemetz’ develops into an attractive upright tree. Hardy and durable, it makes an attractive focal point with good seasonal interest. Mature size: 10’H x 8’W Zone 2

Stunning blue needles, slow growth rate, and classic conical form make Picea pungens ‘Sester Dwarf’ an ideal plant for the modern landscape. Growing at only about one-fourth the rate of its large parent, it is the perfect small-garden form of Colorado Blue Spruce, and is virtually maintenance free to keep its tidy shape. Found as a seedling selection by Sester Farms, Gresham, Oregon. Mature size: 6’H x 4’W Zone 2

The unique and very distinctive dwarf conifer, Picea abies ‘Mikulasovice’ is covered with long, grass-green needles. Short, irregular, orange-tan branches develop into a nearly perfect pyramidal shape. The combination of unique branch styling, long needles, slow growth and excellent form make this a one-of-a-kind dwarf conifer. Perfect in the container garden, super hardy and full of character. Mature Size: 2’H x 3’W Zone 3