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CONIFER GALLERY

Scroll through the Gallery, below                                      Introduction /Cultural Care

Abies balsamea - Balsam Fir, the species can grow from 50' to 75' foot tall, with a spread from 20'- 25' foot.

Abies balsamea nana - Dwarf Balsam Fir

Of all the varieties and cultivars of the Balsam Fir, Abies balsamea nana, the Dwarf Balsam Fir and Abies balsamea f. hudsonia, Hudson Balsam Fir are the two most well known, but the Dwarf Balsam Fir is much more readily found in cultivation. Abies balsamea f. hudsonia, is actually a dwarf form of the balsam fir, which is native to the White mountains of New Hampshire and is sometimes confused with the true dwarf variety, nana, in the way the leaves are arranged on the stems in a semi-radial manner as opposed to Abies balsamea var. nana, which has its leaves radially arranged on the stems. Because both of these dwarfs are similar in habit and growth rate, they can sometimes only be distinguished from one another by this feature, but all cultural requirements will be the same. Both of these slow growing dwarf plants are compact, broad and mound-like with an ultimate height of 3' and a spread of 4' or slightly more, and a growth rate from 1"- 1 1/2 " per year making them an ideal low maintenance plant for the rock garden, border or even foundation use. Their dark, evergreen foliage is tidy and looks good at all times of the year and although they will grow in full sun, they will look their best in a moisture retentive, but well drained soil in a brightly filtered sunny situation. Like the species, very adaptable to colder zones (3-5, possibly 6).

Chamaecyparis obtusa - Hinoki Cypress, the species can grow 50'-70' in height with a 10'-20'spread.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Filicoides' - Fernspray Cypress

Fernspray cypress is a true garden gem aptly named for its lacy, fernlike foliage, densely clothed sporadically along the stem and trunk of the plant, enough so that parts of the stems and trunk can still be seen. The foliage color is a dark green and new growth emerges a lighter, lime green. The plant itself grows naturally somewhat open with a rigid, irregular branching habit and multiple trunks with an approximate ultimate height and width of 8' by 8'. In ten years one can expect a plant about 5' high and 3'-31/2' wide. If one desires it can be cut back to form a more compact habit and eliminate the multiple trunks, but what makes this plant so attractive is its unique, open, wispy character. Fernspray cypress makes a wonderful addition to any conifer garden, this plant is best reserved for solitary use as an accent or focal point. Hardy from zone 4-8. Also one of my favorites for the conifer garden.

Juniperus horizontalis 'Douglasii' - Waukegan Juniper

All Juniperus horizontalis species and cultivars, are either prostrate growing (creeping low and flat along the ground building up very little height) or procumbent (creeping along the ground, but with branchlets coming off the main lateral branches that have a tendency to hold themselves at an upward angle, giving the plant some height). Waukegan is procumbent, creeping along the ground to about 12' while building up some height over time to about 12" or slightly more. This is a first rate groundcover juniper that was found by the Douglas Nurseries, Waukegan, Illinois back in 1855, but because there have been so many new introductions since then, it has fallen by the wayside in popularity for landscape use. The steel-blue foliage, in my opinion, is much more vivid than the 'Blue Rug' juniper and as the winter months set in the foliage takes on a purplish-blue cast. This fast growing juniper, adds between 10"-15" of growth per year and can easily be kept in bounds by removing a few of the lateral branches or some of the semi-erect branchlets. Hardy from zone 4 to 8.

Juniper sabina 'Monna' - Calgary Carpet Juniper

The species, Juniperus sabina, Savin juniper can grow 6' high with a spread of 5'-10'. Calgary Carpet Juniper is 'one of a kind' and a must have for the conifer enthusiast. This low spreading, procumbent juniper has soft green, feathery foliage with an obvious layered or tiered branching habit. It is this unusual and distinct branching habit that sells this plant, once you see it, you have to have it. The plant is capable of building up some height, to about 10" but it does this very slowly, it also can spread to 10', the specimen represented here is approximately 12 years old and over 6' across. Like many of the groundcover junipers, it can be effectively used as a groundcover but because of its habit of growth and growth rate it can also be used effectively by itself as a specimen in the conifer garden. This plant originated in Calgary, Canada so it is very hardy from zones 3 through 7.

Picea abies - Norway Spruce, the species will generally grow 50'-60' to 100' high and 25'-30' wide or wider.

Picea abies f. 'pendula' - Weeping Norway Spruce

This is a weeping form of the Norway spruce, the specimen shown in the picture is the most common form grown and sold. There are various other pendulous forms in cultivation some of which include 'pendula major' which is a weeping, pyramidal selection, found in the wild, that maintains a strong, straight leader while all lateral branches two or more years old weep; Picea abies 'inversa' sometimes referred to as 'Drooping Norway Spruce', can be grown two ways, both of which are equally attractive, as a groundcover-like form (when not staked) which will sprawl flat on the ground and the other, a staked form, which grows vertically to 30' like a narrow beanpole with weeping branches hanging down along the stem; Picea abies 'reflexa' which is very similar in habit to 'pendula' both of which throw up a leader or multiple leaders and after putting on its annual growth, which can vary from as few as 4-5" to as much as 10" or more, in time these upright leaders will resume their pendulous nature. New growth will always jut upwards and by the second year it becomes pendulous once again. This form of spruce is generally grafted on the species and should be staked immediately, otherwise it will do little more than grow prostrate along the ground slowly building up height as it ages. It is usually staked upright to about 4' to 6' and then allowed to weep naturally, even when staked to this height, the plant will gain height throughout the years.

The specimen in the picture was actually staked at 4' and then allowed to grow naturally. In the past 16 years it has added another 5'-6' to it height and it is still very much pendulous. If a taller plant is desired, the plant could be staked higher, but at some point the leader will want to head south. If you should buy a staked plant and want it staked higher, it must be done so immediately, for if it is allowed to start weeping it will be unlikely that you will be able to straighten it up to grow upright again. As this spruce grows and the upper portion of the plant weeps so do the branches coming off the trunk, which are held against the trunk in a weeping fashion. Branches on the trunk close to the ground end up creeping and spreading out around the plant and eventually even these begin to grow erect and in the second year become pendulous, allowing the next new growth to become erect once again. In youth the spruce is somewhat narrow, but in age some of the branches that have been building up on top of each other along the stem will throw out a leader which eventually produces another weeping arm so to speak. Eventually, the spruce becomes interesting and unpredictable, a real eye catcher. Since no two plants grow exactly alike, it would be hard to give an ultimate height and width, but 16' high by 12' wide would be a good estimate.

Picea abies f. 'pendula' is the type of dwarf conifer you either like or dislike. It is not a plant for everyone's tastes. It can be one of those grotesque forms that is sometimes hard to work into the landscape scheme. It can make a wonderful specimen or it can be integrated into a garden design where there are a lot of beds and borders, similar to that of an arboretum. It is definitely not a foundation plant, although I've seen it used for such. This interesting plant has great potential as a landscape plant, but because of its unusual habit of growth, it has to be used carefully. It is iron-clad hardy, preferring colder climates and will grow in zones 2 through 7 and possibly zone 8, if its not too hot. It maintains its dark green foliage all year with contrasting purple cones in the spring.

Picea glauca - White Spruce, the species, generally will grow from 40' to 60' tall with a spread of 10' to 20' under cultivation, but in its native habitat is can grow much taller.

Picea glauca 'Conica' - Dwarf Alberta Spruce

There are several commonly used varieties of the native white spruce and this natural dwarf, which was found in the Canadian Rockies, near Lake Laggan, Alberta in 1904 is one of the most popular, widely distributed varieties in the trade today. In fact, this dwarf conifer is commonly found in most garden centers and nurseries throughout much of the United States, Canada, Europe and elsewhere, as compared to many of the other types of dwarf conifers.

In youth it is generally pyramidal in habit, but with age the plant becomes more conical and very densely foliaged. The thin needles are from 1/4" to 1/2" long and a rich, grass green in color, with new growth a lighter shade of green. Considered a slow grower, growing no more than about 3" or so a year, makes it an ideal plant for many landscapes. Some older botanical literature states that it will mature to 6' or so in height, but it can actually grow to 10' high or more by 6' wide, but it will take at least 30 years or more to do so. Requiring virtually no trimming in its lifetime, it keeps it shape well, although occasionally, with age it will tend to form multiple leaders, which some people, like myself, find attractive, but some people will have a preference towards a plant with a single leader. These other leaders can simply be cut out, if you so desire or the whole plant can be kept smaller with an annual trimming. For best growth provide a moist, well drained loam soil and plant in full sun, but it will also grow reasonably well in a bright filtered sunny situation. Use for foundations, borders, beds or as a container plant for patios and balconies or anywhere a low maintenance plant is desired. They make good specimens, accents, focal points and they are commonly used in containers as small, tabletop Christmas trees. The dwarf Alberta spruce makes a great plant for just about any landscape, but it has one negative aspect and that is, the fact that, due to its dense foliage it is highly susceptible to spider mite infestations during periods of high heat and humidity.

Picea omorika - Serbian Spruce, the species can grow from 60' - 90' tall with a 20'-25' spread.

Picea omorika var. nana - Dwarf Serbian Spruce

Dwarf Serbian Spruce is a compact, dense conifer with a broader than high, irregular globose habit, which becomes more conical with age. The ultimate height is 6' or better with a 6'-7' spread and an annual growth rate of only 2"-3" per year, which makes it an ideal plant for almost any landscape for foundation use or as accents and specimens in beds or borders. An interesting aspect of this plant is how the branchlets hold themselves upright enough to allow the whitish-blue stomatic bands on the underside of the needles to be seen so that a contrasting effect is created with the dark green color of the upper needle surface. Discovered as a "witches broom" in the nursery of Goudkade Brothers, Boskoop, Netherlands around 1930. Hardy in zones 4-7.

Pinus strobus - White Pine, the species will generally grow from 50-80', but can reach 150' or more with a spread of 20-40'.

Pinus strobus f. 'pendula' - Weeping White Pine

This well known weeping form of the common North American white pine has strongly pendulous branches radiating from the main stem and includes the leader, which naturally grows downward. It has a growth habit somewhat similar to the weeping Norway spruce, in that no two will grow exactly alike. It is normally grafted onto the species and must also be staked at a very early age or it will not do much more than twist and contort along the ground, however plants grown this way can be quite attractive and can be effectively used when allowed to cascade over large boulders or hang over a natural stone wall. If a more upright plant is desired the plant is usually be staked at 4'-6' to maintain and develop a leader and then left on its own to weep. In time, new shoots will develop and attempt to become a leader only to start weeping again as the branch matures, in return this will cause the plant to gradually build up some height and width and it may also develop another secondary main stem or arm, which also becomes weeping as seen in this picture. If multiple arms (trunks) is not the effect you are after, they should be cut back to prevent it from becoming a multiple stem plant. Similar in growth habit and size to the weeping Norway spruce it also is one of those dwarf conifers that you either like or dislike and it is hard to work into an average landscape setting without stealing the show, due to its striking unusual form.

This plant is best used as a specimen in a large lawn area, estate or park, or incorporated as a focal point into a bed with other conifers. It is definitely not a foundation plant, that is for the small home. These types of plants are most often purchased when young, and people may not realize that this plant can become very large, monstrous and grotesque in form. Not only is it too focal for a foundation plant, but as shown in this picture, it is blocking a very large bay window. On larger foundations that may lack windows and doors, if situated appropriately and the site calls for such a focal plant, this plant can create an attractive silhouette against a solid wall.

Besides growth habit and size, all other visual characteristics such as leaf color, cones, bark, texture, etc. of this beautiful plant are similar to the species. Although it can grow in a dry rocky soil or even one that is wetter than most, best growth will be made in soils that are moist, but well drained and slightly acidic. Provide full sun to a brightly filtered sunny situation and avoid sites that are windswept. Hardy from zones 3-8. These plants dislike heat and drought and will benefit appreciably when watered at these times.

Thuja occidentalis - American Arborvitae, the species can grow from 40'-65' high with a 12'-15' spread.

Thuja occidentalis 'Filiformis' - Threadleaf Arborvitae

The threadleaf arborvitae is a unique plant with distinct foliage quite unlike that of all other arborvitaes. On first glance, even second or third, some people aren't sure what it is and sometimes think that it is a green thread cypress, but it is not. The tiny leaves of this plant are closely pressed against the elongated stems of the branchlets creating a cord-like effect. Some of these cord-like stems are without branchlets and curve or contort in various ways, while others stems have branchlets near their tips that are somewhat pendulous. Unlike the green thread cypress, which it may resemble from a distance, the foliage is a rich, bright green color that contrasts well with the orangish-yellow bark on some of its stems. In youth the plant is somewhat globular, and may be open and leggy, it should be pruned or pinched back to become compact otherwise it will remain loose and rather sprawling, eventually it will form a leader and become a compact pyramidal to conical form with a slight weeping habit. Growth can vary from 3"- 6" per year and although various books state that it will only grow to about 6', the specimen represented in this picture is well over that and doesn't receive special treatment of any kind.

Hardy from zone 4-8, this is definitely a good landscape plant and one that should be used more often, however it is not that easily found or known, despite being introduced into cultivation in the early 1900's. If the plant were large enough, it could easily be used as a specimen, but in its youthful years it might best be used as an accent or conversation plant. It can also be successfully integrated into the border, used a foundation plant or a row of them could be used as an evergreen backdrop. One of my favorite plants and low maintenance too. Picture shows foliage closeup.

Thuja occidentalis, the species can grow to 30' + with a spread of 8'-10'.

Thuja occidentalis 'Hetzi Midget' - Hetz Midget Arborvitae

There are several globular shaped varieties and cultivars of Thuja occidentalis and 'Hetz Midget' is but one of them. This slow growing, irregular shaped dwarf has a dense compact habit in youth, but as the plant ages (20+ years at least) it becomes loose and somewhat open, while still maintaining some body which enriches its character all the more. The rich, dark green foliage remains throughout the four seasons and is held on stiff branchlets, not at all floppy like some of the other arborvitaes. In ten years, a plant 18" by 18" can be expected with an ultimate height and width of slightly more than 3' by 3'. This plant can be use to create a small hedge and although it will never require trimming or pruning, it can be kept to a desired size very easily with an annual nip here and there. It also can be used effectively in beds or borders as accents. Very hardy, zones 3-8.

In youth this plant is a tight globe shape.

Thuja occidentalis, the species, can grow to 30'+ with a spread of 8'-10'.

Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup' - Holmstrup Arborvitae

If you are looking for a pyramidal arborvitae that is compact growing with a strong trunk and leader, closely packed with fine, apple green foliage that is maintained throughout all the seasons, rarely requires pruning or trimming and is considered a dwarf, this is your plant. Holmstrup arborvitae is capable of reaching 6' in ten years with an ultimate height of around 10' and a width of about 3'. Averaging around 7" of growth per year it is generally fast growing in youth, but slows down as it ages, making it an excellent arborvitae for use as hedging. Besides hedging, this plant can be used effectively in borders and beds, as a vertical accent or for foundation use for smaller one story structures where the plant will remain in good perspective, not outgrowing the size of the structure. Originated in Holmstrup, Denmark and quite hardy, zones 3-8.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a large piece of property and people have often said to me that, "they wish their lot was bigger so they would be able to put some dwarf conifers in their landscape." Take heart, if you are one of these people, you can have some of these plants, for many dwarf conifers are really small. The following is a partial list of some that you might want to consider.

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