Category: Specialty Conifers

The tiny Abies koreana ‘Silberperle’ is an exquisite garden gem, with every compact branch decorated with pearls—really resinous, white buds—during fall and winter. Short, wide, deep green needles, accented with silvery white undersides, add to the plant’s year-round ornamental impact. Conifer collectors and other discerning gardeners will love adding this dense, very slow growing jewel to their rock or trough displays, where it eventually takes on a pyramidal form. Use caution in hot areas, where harsh rays can bleach the needles. Mature size: 1.5’H x 1.5’W Zone 4

Abies koreana ‘Wellenseind’ is a extremely compact, slow-growing conifer with short, wide, dark green needles that are held at wide angles. It boasts conspicuous white buds in winter. An excellent choice for containers or in the alpine rock garden, this delightful selection is sure to please. Mature size: 1.5’H x 1.5’W Zone 4

Short blue-green needles are covered with tiny white flecks of resin that are a distinguishing characteristic of the Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine. Pinus aristata ‘Horstmann’ is noteworthy because of its more uniform branching habit compared with the typical shrubby haphazard branching pattern of this long lived species. Growth rate is comparable to the species. Use as a focal point in the rock or alpine themed garden. Mature size: 4’H x 3’W Zone 4

Pinus pumila ‘Blue Dwarf’ was selected for a spring display of brightly colored cones that contrast with the superior color of the needles. It produces a dense load of twisted needles and a horizontal, spreading habit that is unique among Pinus pumila cultivars. Native to extremely cold, exposed regions of northeastern Asia, the tough constitution of this pine stands up to harsh conditions. Mature size: 3’H x 6’W Zone 4

The glossy green needles of Abies veitchii ‘Heddergott’ are arranged perfectly to expose their brilliant bright white undersides giving the plant the appearance of a winter frost, even in the heat of summer. A dwarf, low growing, rounded, spreading plant, this durable selection from Germany is the perfect size for the home landscape Mature size: 4’H x 6’W Zone 4

The bright steel blue foliage of Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Blue Moon’ adds a special color element to the garden, featuring short stiff branches covered with juvenile foliage that develop into a tight, compact ball with minimal shearing required to maintain its tidy form. ‘Blue Moon’ can be planted as a single color accent or in groupings for bright blocks of color. An excellent choice for foundation plantings also. Grows best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Mature size: 4’H x 4’W Zone 4

In spring, the bright colored pollen cones of Pinus parviflora ‘Bergman’ provide a dramatic contrast to the long, twisted, blue-green needles of this rare Japanese White Pine. Originally from Raraflora Nursery, Feasterville, Pennsylvania, the compact, rounded shrub or tree develops a wide, irregular, upright habit that makes a nice architectural accent. Mature size: 10’H x 8’W Zone 5

The new spring growth of Tsuga canadensis ‘Summer Snow’ is white, which produces a striking contrast against the dark green interior foliage on the fast-growing, upright, broad plant. Its size, shape and colorful growth make it an extremely useful highlight for shade gardens. Originally propagated by John Mitsch, Aurora, Oregon, ‘Summer Snow’ is becoming a favorite in gardens everywhere. Mature size: 10’H x 8’W Zone 4

In winter, Pinus mugo ‘White Bud’ shows off a subtle seasonal trait. Cold weather brings a white resinous coating to each terminal bud, producing a dramatic frosty effect against the plant’s dark green winter foliage. During the rest of the year, the reliable TRUdwarf^® plant requires little care and maintains its small stature without candle pruning. Highly desirable for rock garden, entry or border. Mature size: 3’H x 4’W Zone 2

Each example of Picea abies ‘Cobra’, a new seedling selection from Iseli Nursery, has its own wildly unique character that combines the ground-covering qualities of its parent, P.a. ‘Pendula’, with the bizarre, snake-like branching of Picea abies ‘Virgata’. When staked, trees have a relatively tall, straight, sparsely branched main trunk and a thick, ground-hugging skirt that radiates outward with dancing, cobra-like leaders. Best in full sun. Zone 3