Category: Specialty Conifers

‘Minima Kalous’ is an adorable little bun that bristles with stubby branches clad in short, dark green needles and tipped with thick clusters of white resinous buds. Tight uniform growth and consistent size and shape provide the gardener with a reliable, hardy, low maintenance garden plant. Originated in the Czech Republic. Mature size: 3′ x 3′ Zone 2

Medusa comes to mind when viewing this unusual, deciduous conifer with seriously curly “hair.” Larix decidua ‘Horstmann’s Recurva’ develops wispy branches that twist and curl to fantastic effect, especially in winter, after needle drop. In late winter, rosy buds swell along the gray curlicues and herald the coming longer days earlier than other conifers. Shaving-brush clusters of bright green needles erupt in spring, soften during summer and fire up to golden yellow for fall. A seasonal stunner, for full sun and moist soil in summer. Mature size: 12’H x 8’W Zone 2

Very short, glossy, dark green needles, held close to the stems of Picea orientalis ‘Gowdy’ give the well-defined, recurved, sweeping branches a distinctive appearance. The soft-to-the-touch spruce develops into a stately accent that stands out among other greens in the landscape. Mature size: 25’H x 15’W Zone 4

The magnificent, formal Picea omorika ‘Gotelli Weeping’ adds height and drama to any garden. Its youthful, open form matures into a neat, narrow spire with gracefully pendant branches and strictly weeping branchlets. It shares the lovely two-tone appearance with the species, and it tolerates heat and humidity better than most. This tree’s beauty and weeping character increase with time and maturity. Mature size: 25’H x 15’W Zone 4

Dark green, medium length needles adorn strictly upward growing branches that seem to be reaching into the sky like a rocket shooting up into the atmosphere. In spring, tan candles emerge adding weeks of interest. Although useful in cold climate areas that need a vertical accent and a small footprint, Pinus nigra ‘Komet’ will be a stunning feature in any garden. Provide full sun and well-drained soil. Mature size: 15’H x 4’W Zone 4

Bold, but not gaudy, the full, upright, Picea orientalis ‘Skylands’ is an excellent choice for adding bright, year-round color to a large garden. Its fine, spiky needles emerge electric yellow in spring and gradually soften to a rich gold that stands out against the dark green, interior foliage. Trees develop slowly in the early years, but achieve a habit typical of the species in time. Best color in full sun, although protection may be warranted in scorching summer climates until established. Mature size: 25’H x 15’W Zone 4

A small, pyramidal tree with deep green foliage, this selection has branches that arch upward in the shape of a fountain. Plant the extraordinary sculptural plant as a focal point or as part of an informal grouping. Found by John Mitsch, Aurora, Oregon. Mature Size: 10’H x 8’W Zone 4

Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ makes a dramatic specimen tree or an effective screen or small grouping in large garden beds and borders. Long, blue-green needles cover the uniformly ascending branches, which together form a large, upright, pyramidal tree that broadens with age. Superb color and soft texture add a formal, but friendly look to the landscape. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Mature size: 25’H x 12’W Zone 4

This graceful, elegant, fast-growing Canadian Hemlock resembles the species in all but color: this one, introduced by John Mitsch, Aurora, Oregon, is golden. Unlike other golden cultivars, Tsuga canadensis ‘Golden Splendor’ tolerates full sun and produces brighter color with more exposure. Planted in a row, it can be sheared into a golden hedge or give it a special place in the garden to be a bright and revered single specimen. Mature size: 25’H x 15’W Zone 4

This name could be an understatement! In fact, the vigorous, spreading habit of this Larix decidua ‘Varied Directions’ produces robust twigs that propel the branches up and out, in—that’s right—varied directions. Golden tan branches, covered with thick twigs, eventually arch down and cover the ground in a unique configuration for each plant. Bright green spring foliage changes to gold in autumn before needles fall. Selected by Dr. Sydney Waxman, University of Connecticut. Mature size: Varies with culture Zone 2