Category: Specialty Conifers

Tsuga canadensis ‘Gentsch White’ is a variegated, globose shrub that will brighten most any shady spot. Its creamy white branch tips are especially intense in fall and winter, and an annual shearing will maintain a compact habit and encourage new white growth. A vigorous grower, Tsuga canadensis ‘Gentsch White’ responds very well to shearing for a pleasing and manageable form. From Otto Gentsch, Long Island, New York. Mature size: 10’H x 10’W Zone 4

Numerous brown buds are clustered on branch tips to decorate a very tight ball. The medium green needles tightly surround the clusters, setting them off in an attractive fashion. Picea abies ‘Skyhigh WB’ is a witch’s broom selection from Gert Bohme in Germany. Mature size: 2’H x 2’W Zone 3

Our dark green, Picea abies ‘Pendula’ plants can be staked and trained into an outstanding upright specimen, or it can be allowed to grow as an undulating ground-cover that drapes over slopes and walls. Plant a row of several young P.a. ‘Pendula’s with stake and wire supports to train them into a living fence. Mature size: Varies with culture Zone 3

This pillow-shaped tuffet grows wider than tall, reminiscent of a mushroom cap. The golden orange foliage of Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Tuffet’ has an unusual braided texture sure to invite closer inspection. Hardy, durable and adaptable to all soil types and tolerates full sun to part shade. Mature size: 3’H x 4’W Zone 4

This slow-growing hemlock produces graceful tiers of branches in an open, architectural form with outer needles that turn brilliant yellow where the sun hits them. The tree, which tolerates shade, will be a bright courtyard shrub or a dramatic understory tree, especially with protection from hot, dry extremes. Mature size: 6’H x 4’W Zone 4

With a spreading, dense habit and deep, dark green color, Tsuga canadensis ‘Gracilis’ will add a touch of class to any landscape. Its neat uniform appearance is perfect in the rock garden, perennial garden or mixed border. Best in moist, well-drained, acid soil and part shade. Mature size: 2’H x 4’W Zone 4

Pinus longaeva ‘Formal Form’ has a narrow, uniform shape with clusters of closely held, 1½” long, green needles in bundles of five that radiate around the ascending branches, giving each the look of a bottle brush. Formal and long-lived, this slow-growing, bluish tree maintains its form with little or no pruning. Mature size: 10’H x 6’W Zone 4

Named for Kelso Road, where it was found, and Hinoki cypress, which it resembles, ‘Kelsoki Spire’ is not your average arborvitae. This columnar conifer has scalloped fans of dark green foliage but thrives in colder climates a Hinoki won’t tolerate. With a narrow shape, moderate growth rate, and ease of care, this elegant arborvitae has a multitude of landscape possibilities. Mature size: 10’H x 3’W Zone 4

Picea glauca ‘Blue Planet’ is covered with some of the tiniest needles on the planet—this miniature bun is a reliable choice for tight garden spaces. The short, thin needles have a slight blue cast which complements the true greens and blues in the landscape. Excellent selection for the railway garden, troughs, and rock garden. Expose to full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Mature size: 1’H x 1’W Zone 4

Especially in winter, the striking Abies koreana ‘Golden Glow’ lives up to its name. Many shoots loaded with short, wide needles—light yellow with white reverses—brighten the scene with both color and texture. The compact, mid-size selection from Holland develops an irregular, spreading shape, and in late winter, buds with a purple cast add decoration. Provide moist, well-drained soil and some protection from scorching sun in hot areas. Mature size: 6’H x 12’W Zone 4