Category: Specialty Conifers

The densely arranged, slightly ascending branches of the hardy, dark green, flat-topped, Picea abies ‘Elegans’ will add classy elegance to any garden. Plants break bud and develop bright green new growth earlier in spring than other nest types. Use the irregularly rounded, slow-growing, spreading plant as a low garden accent. Mature height: 2’H x 4’W

Rounded when young, Pinus sylvestris ‘Glauca Nana’ slowly sprawls out and matures to a wider-than-tall, flattened form with age. To maintain a more globe-like shape, candle prune in spring before needles fully extend. Mature size: 10’H x 10’W

Juniperus x pfitzeriana ‘Golden Joy’ is a cultivar from Wiel Linnsen of Holland that offers improvements over other golden junipers. For one, its yellow is brighter than other available options and it maintains the brilliant color throughout the year. In addition, it is easy to grow and has a classic spreading and compact form. It grows more slowly, too, so it will stay beautiful and maintain a manageable size for years. Mature size: 3’H x 6’W

New growth on Taxus cuspidata ‘Nana Aurescens’ bursts on the scene like a splash of brilliant goldenrod. Since second-year foliage goes dark green, each year’s new growth makes another dramatic splash of color when it emerges. The shade tolerant, adaptable, colorful conifer has a wider-than-tall, spreading habit. Mature Height: 2’H x 8’W

Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca Brevifolia’ is a very showy pine with an open habit, similar to that of Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca,’ but its blue-green needles, in tight bundles, are shorter and have more of an upward curve to them. Many persistent cones decorate the tall, moderately narrow tree. Mature size: 20’H x 15’W

The dwarf, Abies koreana ‘Starker’s Dwarf’ develops as a nest form when young and matures to a mounded pyramidal shape with age, Its wide, blunt-tipped needles, decorated with white undersides, present a striking texture. Protect Abies koreana ‘Starker’s Dwarf’ from hot, direct afternoon sun. Mature size: 2’H x 3’W

Unique winter color, fluffy texture and compact, dense form distinguish Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Heather Bun.’ Its fine, feathery foliage is heather green during summer, but when winter hits, the charming, round-topped plant takes on intense tones of plum. The small, delicate bun responds well to regular shearing and thrives in wet sites, even tolerating less-than-perfect drainage. Mature size: 8’H x 8’W

Characteristic thin, two-tone needles cover this spreading Eastern White Pine. The blue-green foliage brightens the ground as it fills out with age. Thin cones that are 4-5 inches in length and covered with white pitch appear at a young age. As with any strobus, avoid soils with poor drainage. Mature size: 3’H x 6’W

The finely textured, sunny foliage of the winning Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’ develops vibrant new spring growth that retains its brilliance and shines in the garden all year. Well-behaved, compact and hardy, the low, mounding conifer makes a versatile addition to border, bank or foundation. It produces best color in full sun and performs even in areas challenged by heat and humidity. Mature size: 8’H x 8’W Zone 7

Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Wintergreen’ is an excellent alternative to American Arborvitae trees that take on bronze winter tones, this durable green selection stays green all year long. For a fast, reliable, green privacy screen or an attractive, conical green accent, this adaptable, hardy tree will fill the bill. Mature Size: 25’H x 6’W