Category: Specialty Conifers

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Mother Lode’ has bright, golden yellow foliage in spring and summer which transitions to rich, burgundy plum undertones during the winter giving this extremely flat, ground-hugging juniper long-term garden interest. Discovered at Iseli Nursery in 1982 as a sport on J. h. ‘Wiltoni’, it performs admirably in full or partial sun. Let it cascade over a bank, define a mound, or cover ground planted in masses. Use with other colorful plants for an exciting statement in the garden. Mature size: 6″H x 4’W Zone 3

Bright green, spring growth of the densely textured, ground covering Juniperus communis ‘Green Carpet’ foliage darkens as it matures, spreading and filling in space. The tidy, compact plant is extremely hardy and adaptable to a wide range of soil and climate conditions. It covers ground slowly. Mature size: 6″H x 6’W Zone 3

Not your typical juniper!  Limeglow™ displays feathery foliage in electric chartreuse, a color that makes a striking contrast to other greens in the garden. Its spreading, vase form and juvenile foliage lend a cheery presence in almost any garden, including one with hot, dry conditions. The yellow sport from ‘Youngstown’ is reported to hold its bright color and to resist sunburn. Selected by Larry Hatch with North Carolina State University. Mature size: 2’H x 4’W Zone 3

The two-toned needles of Abies koreana ‘Silver Show’ are so tightly curled that the shoots are almost cylindrical, exposing the extremely white undersides completely. The result is a silver-white element in the garden. The contrasting dark purple cones stand out against the foliage. Showy color and special texture abound. Enjoys full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Mature size: 12’H x 8’W Zone 4

Resembling an elegant, tapered candle with silvery, blue-green foliage, Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’ makes a superior, vertical accent, especially in containers, the rock garden and other small spaces. Its dense, vertical branches grow very slowly and stay in perfect scale with other choice rockery plants. Mature size: 3’H x 1’W Zone 4

An outstanding, underutilized hemlock, Tsuga canadensis ‘Cole’s Prostrate’ is a spreading cultivar with stiff main branches that knuckle under and bend downwards to create a truly prostrate form. Gnarly interior branches show off the plant’s silver bark, which adds dimension to the exceptional, low plant. Use the garden gem to drape over or around stones or walls in a site with partial shade. Alternatively, stake the plant for some height to create all kinds of interest. Mature Size: 6″H x 4’W Zone 4

Pinus mugo ‘Valley Cushion’ offers a spreading habit to the mix of TRUdwarf^® mugo choices. The very compact, dense pine stays low and flat, much wider than tall. Reddish, new buds complement the short, medium green needles, and plants grow very slowly, so they require little or no pruning. Selected at the North Willamette Research Station in Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley, this cultivar is extremely hardy and an excellent choice for cold parts of the country. Mature size: 1’H x 4’W Zone 2

Picea glauca ‘Jean’s Dilly’ (pronounced “John’s”) this extraordinary, Alberta-type selection bears the name of dwarf conifer pioneer Jean Iseli. ‘Jean’s Dilly’ was named by his brother, Andre’, to note the plant’s remarkable qualities. Much smaller, denser and slower growing than other Alberta types, its short, fine needles display a distinctive twist during the growing season. Spring growth starts about 3-4 weeks later than P.g. ‘Conica’s. Found at Iseli Nursery in 1981, this signature plant is a fitting choice to honor the co-founder of Iseli Nursery. Mature size: 3’H x 1’W Zone 4

More durable, adaptable and dense than the popular ‘Compressa,’ this improved selection sports the same compact, bluish green foliage and upright habit. It differs, though, in its broader pyramidal shape and its better tolerance to wind, cold and reflected sun. Try this reliable, vertical accent that is well suited for containers and a range of styles, from elegant to casual. Mature size: 3’H x 1.5’W Zone 4

Tufts of tiny green needles cover the many short shoots of this dense, tight bun. Originally a witch’s broom on ‘Nidiformis’ and more ball-like than its parent, Picea abies ‘Little Gem’ was discovered in 1958 and has been an extremely popular plant ever since. Its tough constitution and restrained growth assure good performance in a variety of garden situations where it resembles a lush, green pincushion. Mature size: 1’H x 2’W Zone 3