Category: Specialty Conifers

Site this narrow, pyramidal tree Picea abies ‘Sherwood Compact’ where its strongly ascending branches can develop into a mid-size, distinctly upright cone in the landscape. In addition to size and shape, the cultivar produces many soft brown shoots and clean green needles. Use it as a specimen in a small space that deserves a big impact or use it as part of a privacy wall. Another great selection from nurseryman Andy Sherwood of Oregon. Mature size: 15’H x 8’W Zone 4

Small, wide, green, blunt-tipped needles sit at different angles along reddish brown shoots occasionally exposing their silvery-white undersides to give Tsuga diversifolia ‘Minikin’ a special sparkle. Slow growing and globe shaped when young, it will become more vigorous and oval shaped. Hardy and thrives in many climates being tolerant of full sun to shady conditions when planted in well-drained, moist soil. Mature size: 6’H x 4’W Zone 4

True to its name, the bright yellow needles of Picea orientalis ‘Firefly’ light up the garden with 12 Months of Color. A seedling selection of P.o. ‘Skylands’, it is a much smaller, compact tree. It has the classic thin needles that open in spring as a brilliant yellow, softening to gold as the season progresses, and standing out against the green interior foliage. The perfect size for the modern landscape, it matures dense, bright, and bushy at eye level. Mature size: 6’H x 4’W Zone 4

Picea abies ‘Formanek’ is a radically prostrate, slow-growing form of Norway Spruce that will become a densely matted, spreading carpet over time. If staked up, its strongly weeping branches cascade down and create a pendulous form. Unstaked, it is the perfect plant to creep over and around rocks. Mature size: 4’H x 8’W Zone 3

An Iseli Introduction seedling selected from Picea abies ‘Rothenhausii’, this new dwarf cultivar has a prostrate habit that forms a low mounding shape with age. It can be grown as a slow growing ground cover or staked upright as a gentle weeper.  Delicate tiny green sprays of needles cover this very dainty specimen, which resembles cascading water that has been frozen in time. Great for containers or as a specimen plant for collectors. Truly a one of a kind. Mature size: 1.5’H x 3’W Zone 3

The narrow, fastigiate form, Picea abies ‘Cupressina’ is in high demand for urban and boundary plantings where strong vertical accents are required. This selection grows quite quickly and withstands snow loads better than other fastigiate types. Mature size: 25′ high x 6′ wide Zone 4

Thuja occidentalis ‘Jantar’ PP22296 is an exciting new brilliant yellow beacon from Poland that Iseli Nursery is proud to offer as part of our plant line. The eye popping yellow on this version of Emerald Arborvitae becomes a warmer amber tone during winter, hence the name “Jantar”, Polish for amber. With the same narrow upright habit as its popular green parent this selection will add dramatic color to the landscape as a focal plant or privacy screen. Selected by Jakub Jablonski of Poland and introduced to the U.S. by Breederplants. Mature size: 15’H x 3’W Zone 4

If you thought the Colorado Spruce was the best blue tree, think again. Pseudotsuga menziesii ‘Blue’ develops wonderful color and becomes a noble specimen for the spacious landscape or an exciting color contrast, if sited against a backdrop of standard Douglas Fir trees or other greenery. The clear blue foliage draws the eye and creates a sense of distance. Multi-colored cones add spring and summer ornamentation. Mature size: 25’H x 15’W Zone 4

Dark green, coarse foliage on strictly upright branches create a useful form. This supremely narrow, slow growing conifer will add an architectural presence to the garden. Like an ancient Roman pillar, ‘Beanpole’ can be used to delineate space or add formality, either in containers or planted in the ground. Light shade is best but can tolerate full sun and loves evenly moist, well-drained soil. Mature size: 10’H x 2’W Zone 4

Pinus strobus ‘Blue Shag’ is a sprightly dwarf cultivar of Eastern White Pine which produces long, soft, blue-green foliage and an outstanding, compact, reliably rounded form. Its size, shape, color and texture make the seedling, grown and selected by Sydney Waxman, University of Connecticut, an excellent addition to many landscapes. Mature size: 6’H x 6’W Zone 3