CONIFERS A-O

CALOCEDRUS

decurrens – Incense Cedar - Zones 5-9 Sun to partial shade

A tall, stiff, narrow growing column that is ideal for use as a vertical accent.  Foliage is arborvitae-like and grows tight and full, creating a distinctly regular outline.  Widely planted in the west, this conifer withstands heat and drought, and could be used much more in the south and east, but is little known.  Grows 8-10’ in ten years.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: OPSC.

CEDRUS - Cedar Zones 6-9 Sun to part shade

atlantica - Atlas Cedar

‘Glauca’ – A fast growing, pyramidal evergreen with intense silver-blue color.  The most commonly grown true cedar.  8-10’ in ten years.  Awards: First Class Certificate & Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: USNA. 

‘Glauca Pendula’ - The weeping blue Atlas Cedar is ideal for use as a novel specimen.  Left to their own devices each individual plant will grow in its own curious way.  Easy to stake and train into serpentine, wide spreading, or tall thin habit.  Grows to 6-10’ in ten years depending on training.  Recommended by: USNA. 

deodara – Deodar Cedar - Extremely graceful, full sized conifer with silvery to bluish-green needles.   Grows steadily to form a pyramidal to flat topped tree with branches full to the ground and pendulous tips.  Makes an excellent specimen plant.  10-15’ tall in ten years.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: USNA. 

‘Aurea’ - Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS. 

‘Aurea Pendula’ – Weeping branches and golden spring leaf colors are the main attractions of this rare form of the Deodar Cedar.  The plants grow upright with the branches weeping down from the central trunk.  Grows to 10’ tall in ten years. 

‘Shalimar’– This is the most cold hardy Deodar Cedar! It was introduced by Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum and the plants have proven hardy as far north as Massachusetts.  The original seed was collected in Kashmir in the extreme north-west of India.  Shalimar grows more narrow than the typical Deodar and the limbs are more pendulous.  10-12’ tall in ten years.

libani - Cedar of Lebanon

‘Nana’ - This is a slow growing dwarf conical bush, growing slightly wider than tall.  The limbs are densely and regularly arranged and the leaf color is a pleasing gray-green that contrasts well with other green plants.  3-4’ in ten years.  Cultivated in England since 1838. 

‘Pendula’ - This plant grows as a narrow weeper.  Unusual type of the well known biblical tree.  Slow growing with a bluish cast to the needles and the cones.   Outstanding for use as a specimen.  6-10’ in ten years.  Rare.  Recommended by: USNA.  

CEPHALOTAXUS

harringtonia - Japanese Plum Yew Zones 6-9 Partial shade to shade

‘Fastigata’ - Very dark green leaves are evenly arranged in spirals around the stiff erect limbs of this of this narrow growing columnar shrub.  The branches are strongly upright with few side branches.   An excellent vertical accent that is generally easier to grow over a wide range than similar growing Yews or Podocarpus.  Grows to 6-8’ tall in ten years.  Recommended by: GCA.

‘Prostrata’ - A prostrate, wide growing shrub.  Much easier to grow than true yews.  Grows well in shade and beneath trees.  The wild form of this plant is originally from Japan and Central China.  3-4’spd.  in ten years.  Recommended by: GCA. 

CHAMAECYPARIS - False Cypress

obtusa - Hinoki Cypress Zones 5-8 Sun to partial shade

Typically a tall growing pyramid with dark glossy scale-like leaves.   Hinoki cypress and its varieties are some of the easiest conifers to grow, and are quite versitile to many conditions.  6-10’ in ten years.   

‘Aurea Nana’ - This will grow into an irregular upright shape.  Foliage is twisted and fan-shaped and has strong golden colors throughout the year.  Not ot be confused with ‘Nana Aurea’ which is more pyramidal and less golden.  2-3’ in ten years.  Recommended by: USNA

‘Blue Feathers’- A very recent introduction, Blue Feathers retains a juvenile type foliage and has an upward twisting growth habit that reveals a distinct bluish underside.  A compact grower whose eventual size is yet to be determined.  5-6(?)’ in ten years. 

‘Chabo Yidari’ – A distinctive dwarf shrub, narrowly upright and irregular in growth with both adult and juvenile leaves appearing on the same plant.  An unusual cultivar originating in Japan.  As befits its origins it is right at home in a Japense garden, and makes a distinct statement in any garden setting.

‘Confucius’ - Confucious has bright golden new foliage and dark green older foliage.  It grows into a dense somewhat irregular cone.  It has a reputation of being more cold tolerant than other Hinoki Cypress.  4-5’ in ten years.  Originated in New Zealand.

‘Crippsii’- This hinoki cypress grows slowly into a large conical shape.   Growth is loose and airy, with frond-like foliage covered in a rich golden color.  Hilliers says this is "one of the loveliest and most elegant of small golden conifers." 6-10’ in ten years.  Awards: First Class Certificate & Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: USNA

‘Filicoides’ - Fernspray Hinoki Cypress- A longtime favorite with our customers.  Twisting, pendulous, frond-like branches grow on this large, open growing plant.  Capable of growing 25’ tall in time, it is usually easily pruned to a smaller size.  Deserves a space in every garden.  Very unusual and sure to draw comments from your visitors.  5-8’ in ten years.  Recommended by: USNA

‘Gracilis’ - Medium sized, compact pyramid.  Dark green, with graceful pendulous branches.  Steady grower eventually reaching 15’ in old age.  Similar to the species but smaller and more compact.  One of the best.  5-8’ in ten years. 

‘Kannamihiba’- Kannamihiba is a very dwarf slow growing upright plant.   It has unusual thin contorted tips on its foliage.  It has a loose open aspect and offers a unique addition to the dwarf conifer garden.  Excellent in a container or for bonsai, only growing 2-3’ in ten years.

‘Keraldo’ - An irregular, broad spreading shrub with foliage highlighted in pale yellow, nearly identical to that of 'Crippsii'.  Keraldo was originally discovered in the garden of Prince Wolkonsky at Keraldo, Brittany, France.  It was introduced in The Netherlands in 1991 and won an Award of Merit from the Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society. 

‘Kosteri’ - Exemplary rock garden plant.  A dwarf cone with moss green leaves and lush habit.  Leaves twist giving this plant a unique coral-like look.  Slow and small growing but might reach 1-2’ in ten years; 4-5’ tall after 25+ years.  Recommended by: GCA.

‘Lycopodioides Aurea’- This is an interesting irregular growing conifer.  It has a somewhat open habit, eventually taking on a more or less rounded form.  The new foliage is twisted and has cockscomb like growths.  A bright golden color tints the newest outer foliage throughout the year.  2- 2½’ in ten years.  Name will never be a household word, but a very nice plant.

‘Lynn’s Gold’- Lynn’s Gold is an upright growing pyramidal hinoki cypress that is very dwarf.  The newest growth is a bright golden color that holds on throughout the year.  A recent introduction that will undoubtly become a standard.  3-4’ in ten years.

‘Mariesii’ - Soft foliage with white tips highlight this excellent slow growing dwarf Hinoki Cypress.  Eventually it will make a small loose growing cone shaped bush.  Some shade is preferable.  2-3’ in ten years.

‘Nana Gracilis’ - Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: GCA, USNA.

‘Nana Lutea’ - A very dwarf hinoki with excellent golden color that holds throughout the year.  Looks like a piece of golden coral growing in your garden.  Rare and much in demand because of small size and color.  A good bonsai subject.  2’ in ten years.   Recommended by: GCA. 

‘Repens’ - This Hinoki is a dwarf wide spreader.  It has an excellent green foliage that does not turn bronze-green.   Excellent in the rock garden or in foundation plantings.  2- 3’ spd.   in ten years, eventually making a flattened globe only 2’ tall by 4’ wide.

‘Reis Dwarf’ - This is an upright growing dwarf that has a very irregular aspect.  It is an excellent choice for pruning into unsual shapes in the garden or for bonsai.  Grows 2-3’ in ten years.

‘Split Rock’ - This hinoki has the bluest color of all obtusa varieties.   Both juvenile and mature foliage are retained on the plant, with the newest outer growth showing the best blue color.  Split Rock is a slow growing asymmetric dwarf that forms an irregular mound.  3-4’ in ten years.  New and rare. 

‘Torulosa Dwarf’- A very slow somewhat irregular growing pyramid with twisted and contorted branches and dark green foliage.  The habit is very dwarf and it would make an outstanding curosity in many situations.  2-2½’ in ten years.

‘Torulosa’ - Distinct! New foliage emerges in cockscomb-like growths.   Stems are orange colored and foliage is very dark green.  Growth habit is irregular but the basic shape is a broad pyramid.  A semi-dwarf eventually reaching 8-10’, but only after a long period of time.   3-5’ in ten years.

pisifera - Sawara Cypress Zones 4-8 Sun to partial shade

‘Boulevard’ - Pale blue upright column that is a knockout in the landscape.  Juvinelle plants and foliage show the color the most intense.  Few conifers (or any other plants) can offer such an intense blue color in your garden.   Grows 5-6’ in ten years.  Unpruned plants are slow growing, reaching only 12-15’ after many years and developing more of a tree-like identity.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: GCA, USNA.

‘Creamball’ -

‘Filifera Aurea Nana’ - This very different plant has pendulous, thin, golden, whip-like leaves and branches.  The plant itself grows into a haystack-like mound.  Has a soft look and feel about it that is missing from many other conifers.  A delightful plant, and one of our favorites for many years.  Considered a dwarf (in comparison to it’s larger growing relatives) but will make 3-4’ of growth in ten years and can grow 10 foot or more given enough time and space. 

‘Filifera Aureovariegata’ -

‘Filifera Sungold’ -

‘Golden Mop’ – This is a smaller growing version of the Golden Threadleaf Cypress - with brighter golden color than the other cultivars.  Leaves are stringy and cord-like forming a tight globose mound.   Excellent in rock gardens, foundation plantings, or massing in large groups for spectacular effect.  Unusual foliage stumps most gardeners’ ability to identify this curious but useful plant.  Very much in demand due to small size and excellent color.  2-3’ in ten years.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS. 

‘Juniperoides Aurea’ – This is a dense globular dwarf with soft with somewhat golden foliage in the spring turning all green in the summer.  A small plant, but it reaches its mature size fairly quickly.   2-3’ in ten years.

‘Plumossa Compressa’- Very small growing gray-green globe.  Soft, tight, growth makes an exquiste plant for formal settings, pots, or rock garden.  One of the first plants we would recommend for anyone beginning a dwarf conifer collection.  A plant with character.  Awards: Award of Merit from the RHS.  2- 2½’ in ten years.

‘Snow’ - Blue-gray leaves are tipped white highlight this dwarf spreader.  Very dwarf and needs some shade as white tips may scald in full sun.  Snow is soft to the touch.  Excellent for contrast with green plants used alone or in groups.  2- 2½’ in ten years. 

'Squarrosa Dumosa’ – Another dense globe shaped False Cypress that forms a dense bush about 3 foot tall.  Good gray-green foliage with a touch of bronze in the center of the plants in winter.  Discovered at the Berlin Botanic Garden around 1890. 

'Squarrosa Intermedia’- Recommended by: GCA.

'Squarrosa Lutea’-

thyoides - White Cedar Zones 3-8 Sun to partial shade

‘Aurea’ -

‘Glauca Pendula’ - Good silvery blue foliage covers this broad spreading upright pyramid.  Graceful weeping branches add a willowy touch to the conifer garden.  6-8’ in ten years.

‘Heather Bun’ -Excellent soft feathery plumes of olive-green with a plum colored overtone on a round topped shrub.  Often (and easily) it is pruned to size.  Grows 4-5’ in ten years, but left unchecked it may grow 6-10’ tall and 4-5’ wide over time.  Purple color is increased in winter making this an excellent plant for contrast with golden and green colored conifers. 

‘Little Jamie’ - Little Jamie Atlantic Cedar grows into a slender cone.   It is a dwarf that only grows 3-4’ in ten years, and 4-5’ after many years.  Dark green foliage turns purple in the winter.

‘Red Star’ - Red Star is one of the strongest growing plants in this group, eventually reaching 15-25’ tall in 25 years.  The habit is columnar and dense with a bluish-green color in summer, turning plum-purple in cold weather.  The leaves retain a juvenile form and are soft and feathery.

columnar form - We have not been able to positively identify this cultivar, but we highly recommend it.  We have observed it for many years and can tell you that it will reach 6-8’ tall or more and still be only 2’ wide in 10 years.  The leaves are ‘heather-like’’ sea-green, and soft to the touch; turning plum colored in winter.

CRYPTOMERIA - Japanese Cedar Zones 6-9 Sun to part shade

japonica - This species grows into a large timber tree in Japan.  Meritorious evergreen deserves much wider use.  Works well as a specimen or in groups.  Grows about 10’ in ten years.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: USNA

‘Black Dragon’ - Black Dragon grows shrub-like and dense into an irregular pyramid .  The long soft new growth is light green and nods distinctly above the older black green foliage.  A relatively new and rare cultivar that is much in demand due to good publicity.  Grows about 5’ tall in ten years.

‘Cristata’ - Cristata grows upright in a narrow cone shape 10’ tall in ten years -eventually reaching 20 to 30 foot tall.  Branches and twigs are short, stiff, and compact, but the new growth on tip ends regularly emerges in twisted cockscomb-like growths.  The regular growth habit and unusual foliage make Cristata an outstanding. 

‘Elegans’ - A wonderful medium to large growing Japanese Cedar that maintains a juvenile type foliage throughout it’s life.  Airy leaves are soft to the touch and look like a billowy mass of pale green.  The leaves develop a reddish tinge in cold weather.  Fast grower reaching 8-10’ in ten years, and an excellent choice for screen or large hedge.  Awards: First Class Certificate from the RHS.  Recommended by: USNA

‘Elegans Compacta’ - This is a smaller version of ‘Elegans’, but not exactly a dwarf since it usually reaches 5 foot itall or more after a few years.   In most other ways it seems nearly identical to its taller cousin.  A good ‘large’ plant to mix in the dwarf conifer garden.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.

‘Globosa’-This small growing globular shrub in an ideal addition to the conifer garden.  This could be a conifer substitute for Boxwood.  Plants grow slowly into a 3’ x 3’ flattened globe, with excellent green color throughout the year.  Surprisingly Globosa is smaller growing than Globosa Nana, the later being named first and taking the diminutive.

‘Jindai-Sugi’ - A popular dwarf, Jindai-Sugi is well known for retaining its soft green color all year long.  Plants become bushy, with short needles congested along the branches making a regular tight growth habit.  It will be about 4’ tall in ten years.

‘Lobbii’ - Used in similar situations as the species, Lobbii is a more compact growing pyramid that maintains good color and tight growth.  Foliage is densely compacted at branch tips and can be pruned for effect.  May be more cold hardy than typical.  Grows about 10’ tall in ten years.  Recommended by: USNA

‘Nana’ - This is a very slow growing tight globe.  Plants have a darker green color than in most cultivars.  Excellent potted plant.  Might grow to 3’ tall and wide after 10 years.

‘Sekkan-sugi’ - Everyone likes to have something unusual in their garden and this easy to grow plant would fit the bill for most anyone.  The plants new growth emerges dramatically in creamy white to yellow colors from the old dark green foliage.  Has a very distinct apperance and is one of the most sensational variegated conifers.  Grows 5-6’ in ten years.  Some shade recommended. 

‘Spiralis’ - Granny’s Ringlets - This is a dwarf form of cryptomeria and would make an outstanding accent in any garden.  The plant itself has real character, growing in a wide upright shape.   The needles are the real curiosity.  They turn in tight circles around the the stems, and are the source of the plants common name.  Grows 3’-4’ in ten years.

‘Tansu’ - Tansu is among the smallest of the cryptomeria.  It grows very slowly into a wide pyramid of dainty green needles.  Takes some years to attain any size, reaching only 2-3’ in ten years, but will never out grow it’s spot in the garden.  Ideal for the low maintenance garden.

‘Vilmoriniana’ - A minature form for the rock garden, or any place a tiny neat evergreen is desired.  Grows to only 12-16" in ten years.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.

‘Yoshino’ - One of the very best of the full sized Japanese Cedars, ‘Yoshino’ grows full and fast into a dense narrow column10’ tall in ten years.  Handsome green leaf color holds up well even in cold weather.  Yoshino was originally introduced around 1928 by the Yokohama nursery of Japan, and arrived in America about 10 years later.  It is only now becoming well known.  It is being touted as a substitute for Leyland Cypress in the southeast.  Recommended by: USNA

CUPRESSUS - Cypress Zones 7-9 Sun

arizonica Arizona Cypress

‘Blue Ice’ - A frosty whitish-blue cast covers this plant year round.   It is the bluest plant in its family.  Grows into a tall narrow pyramid and creates outstanding contrast with other conifers and broadleaf plants.  Originated in New Zealand and only beginning to become available in America.  Grows 8-10’ in ten years.

‘Blue Pyramid’ - Another introduction from New Zealand, Blue Pyramid makes a neat symmetrical pyramid of powder -blue foliage.  Old plants may grow 20 to 25’ tall and be half as wide at the base.

sempervirens - Italian Cypress

‘Glauca’ - Blue Italian Cypress Blue-green foliage highlights the pencil thin growth habit of this cypress.  It is an ideal vertical element in a garden and irreplaceable for a Mediterranean effect.  Grows 8-10’ in ten years.  At 10’ tall it may be only 1’ wide.  After many years it may reach 20-30’ tall and still be only 3-4’ wide.  

‘Swaine’s Golden’ - New from Australia! Grows into a pencil-thin golden column.  Protect in youth as hardiness increases with age.  Grows to about 6’ in ten years.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.

x CUPRESSUSOCYPARIS - Leyland Cypress Zones 6-10 Sun

A fast growing conifer that makes an unbelievably quick growing hedge or a large specimen.  Can reach 10-20’ in ten years.  Can grow 30-50’ tall or more in old age depending on location.  Tops for shearing.  Awards: Award of Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: USNA

‘Castlewellen Gold’ - Slower growing, only10-15’ in ten years, this plant takes on a golden cast in cool weather and during times of new growth.  Smaller size and tighter growth habit and make this the best choice of this group for hedging.  Recommended by: USNA

‘Naylor’s Blue’ - Blue cast to foliage and a more open, lax growth habit.   10-15’ tall in ten years.  Recommended by: USNA

GINKGO - Maidenhair Tree Zones 4-9 Sun

biloba - Ginkgos have been growing on Earth for over 65 Million years.  It was first known in the West through fossils, and at one time was considered extinct before plants were found in the Orient.  Excellent shade tree with fan-shaped leaves that turn a glorious golden color in the autumn.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS. 

‘Autumn Gold’ - This is a male clone so it does not bear odorous fruits.   It was selected at the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation.  It is vigorous, and has a wide spreading symmetrical growth habit.  Faster growing than average and an excellent choice for a large shade tree.   Grows to 10-12’ tall in ten years.   Recommended by: USNA

‘Fairmont’ -

‘Tschi Tschi’ -

‘Tubeleaf' - (syn.  ‘Tubiformis’, ‘Tubifolia’) -

JUNIPERUS - Juniper

chinensis - Chinese Juniper Zones 4-9 Sun

‘Blue Point’ - This is a broad pyramid growing 6-8’ in ten years -eventually growing 10-12’ tall and 6-8’ wide.  It has a dense growth habit of blue-green foliage that maintains a tight neat appearance all year. 

‘Blue Vase’ - Spreads into a wide vase shape with good blue color.   Excellent for topiary.  Grows 4’x4’ in ten years. 

‘Gold Coast’ - This plant has a low spreading habit similar to Pfitzer Juniper, but is more compact, and has golden highlights throughout.  The exceptional color mixes well with dark green plants.  30" tall with 6-8’ spread in ten years.  Recommended by: USNA. 

‘Kaizuka’ - (syn.  ‘Tourlosa’) Irregular upright growth habit and excellent green color.   One of the best.  A large grower 8-10’ in ten years, eventually reaching 15 to 20 foot tall or more in old age.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: USNA.  

‘Robusta Green’ - The name says it all, and this plant lives up to its name.   The habit is upright and slightly irregular, eventually reaching 12-15" tall and about half as wide.  Bright green foliage is very dense and this plant is excellent for use as topiary spirals and poodles.

‘Spartan’ - This is a fast growing columnar juniper three times as tall as it is wide making 6-8’ in ten years, and eventually reaching 15’ tall by 5’ wide.  It has rich green needle-like foliage, and is densely branched. 

communis - Common Juniper Zones 2-7 Sun

‘Berkshire’ - Blue

‘Compressa’ - Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS. 

‘Gold Cone’ -

conferta - Shore Juniper Zones 5-9 Sun

‘Blue Pacific’ - Blue Pacific is an improved form of the Shore juniper.   Tighter growth and a more silvery blue foliage.  This plant is tops for groundcover.  1’ tall with 3-4’ spread in ten years.  Recommended by: OPSC.

horizontalis - Creeping Juniper Zones 4-9 Sun

‘Hughes’ - This is a low growing wide spreading form eventually reaching up to 8 to 10 feet in spread while remaining only 1’ tall.  Silvery blue-green color holds well in the winter.  1’ x 4-5’ in ten years

‘Wiltonii’ - Blue Rug Juniper - Tight blue groundcover juniper.  An old favorite, but still one of the best.  6"x3-4’ in ten years Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: USN

procumbens - Japanese Garden Juniper Zones 4-9 Sun

‘Nana’ - Graceful slow growing dwarf spreader.  Our favorite groundcover type.  Also frequently used in bonsai.  10" x 3-4’ in ten years.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.  Recommended by: USNA. 

sabina Zones 3-7 Sun

‘Calgary Carpet’ - Extremely hardy the foliage of this low spreader has a soft feathery appearance.  1’x3’ in ten years.  Recommended by: OPSC.

scopulorum - Rocky Mountain Juniper Zones 3-7 Sun

‘Moonglow’ - Moonglow grows into a dense narrow column of blue-grey foliage.  One of the best upright blue conifers, but does not perform as well in areas with hot humid summers.  6-8’ in ten years

‘Skyrocket’ - Distinct narrow blue column.  Unbelievably thin habit; may be only 1’ to 2’ wide while 10’ to 15’ tall.  Dirr says it "reminds me of a blue rocket sitting on a launching pad." 8-10’ in ten years.   Recommended by: USNA. 

‘Wichita Blue’ - This upright pyramid has bright blue foliage throughout the year.  Grows 6-8’ in ten years -10’ to 15’ high and 4’ to 6’ wide in time.

squamata - Zones 4-8 Sun

‘Blue Carpet’ - A flat topped wide spreader only 1’ tall, with good blue color outside, and a hint of yellow toward the center of the plant.  1’x3’ in ten years Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS, Gold Medal in Boskoop, The Netherlands. 

‘Blue Star’ - A recent introduction from Holland, this juniper grows in an irregular mound with steel blue needles.  2’x2’ in ten years.  Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the RHS, Gold Medal in Boskoop, The Netherlands.  Recommended by: GCA, USNA. 

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