This well-known, compact arborvitae is popular for dark green, vertical sprays of foliage that stay green all year. Thuja occidentalis ‘Holmstrup’ has a rugged, conical form, and since plants grow relatively slowly and stay mid-size, they are great for places with limited space and a need for green. The extremely hardy Danish selection that was introduced in 1951 is durable and adaptable. Mature size: 15’H x 12’W Zone 3
Super hardy with a super form, Prairie Statesman® will make an elegant statement under some of the harshest conditions. Soft, emerald green foliage, with a hint of silvery blue, adorns this perfectly symmetrical tree. Its columnar habit provides a narrow footprint making it suitable for the home garden as well as large landscapes. Drought tolerant and extremely cold hardy, it is an excellent selection by Dr. Dale Herman, North Dakota State University. Mature size: 12’H x 6’W Zone 3
Pinus mugo ‘Slowmound’ is an Iseli TRUdwarf® introduction with so many superior traits that it is designated a Jean Iseli Signature plant, a distinction reserved for plants that exhibit “marked improvement” over others on the market. The dense, dark green mound is one of the best, with highly reliable color, texture, growth rate and habit. Beautiful year-round, Slowmound Mugo Pine produces many showy buds and matures to a wide, even shape that is naturally compact. At only 1-2′ in 10 years, it works well in even the most confined areas. Mature size: 4’H x 6’W Zone 2
Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’ is an immensely popular juniper, discovered in Holland as a witch’s broom on J.s. ‘Meyeri’ and introduced in 1964, deserves its reputation as a winning garden selection. It has sharp, blue, densely arranged needles, filling short branches that suggest the tips on a many-point star, and a usable form that slowly spreads becoming broader than tall. Mature size: 2’H x 3’W Zone 4
The dense, wide-spreading Juniperus squamata ‘Holger’ produces bright, creamy-yellow new growth that stands out above the plant’s older, bluish foliage. The unique color combination makes a stunning and dramatic show. Sharp, densely arranged, pointed needles and scaly bark, typical of the species, add character and interest. Mature size: 4’H x 8’W Zone 4
The extremely slow-growing, dense, bun-shaped Pinus mugo ‘Mitsch Mini’ sports so many short branchlets and slightly twisted, short needles that the surface almost appears smooth. A TRUdwarf® mugo selected by John Mitsch of Aurora, Oregon, the reliable, consistent pine takes on a frosted look when its waxy buds emerge. Site this distinctive beauty in a prime location in the rock garden, trough or miniature railroad. Mature size: 1’H x 2’W Zone 2
Ideal for the smallest site, Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Tsukumo’ is a rounded bun that almost doubles as a mossy green rock. It has dense, finely textured green foliage and grows so slowly that it won’t outsize a trough or rock garden. The compact cushion, which is hardy, tough and resilient, is wider than it is tall. Occasionally, short feathery plumes will sprout out among the fine foliage, adding character and dimension, or may simply be removed to maintain the most compact, tiny mound. Mature size: 1.5’H x 1.5’W Zone 4
Tsuga canadensis ‘Jervis’ features tight, dark green foliage and a densely branched, broad pyramidal habit. ‘Jervis’ will grow slowly in your garden in an irregular form making it an interesting focal point that will not outgrow its place. The prominent buds and short twiggy growth make this a unique plant, adding year round interest to any garden. Mature size: 3’H x 2’W Zone 4
For a handsome bit of color in the rock garden or other small space, the dense Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Pin Cushion’ delivers. Prized as a close-up accent in miniature and container gardens, each plant will spread slowly into a low, irregular mound that suggests moss. Where exposed to more sun, the foliage turns brighter yellow. Easy, resilient and hardy. Mature size: 1.5’H x 1.5’W Zone 4
Pinus koraiensis ‘Blue Ball’ is a dwarf selection of Korean Pine with blue green needles that emphasize the blue. Short stiff branches and long needles form a globe shaped plant that has a bit of irregularity to it. Hardy and adaptable, with minimal disease or insect problems, ‘Blue Ball’ has great potential for a variety of settings. Mature size: 3’H x 3’W Zone 3
