Evergreen conifers provide the bones for any landscape. They offer a variety of colors, textures and habits all year long. While conifers are sometimes relegated to the rear or boundary of a property where they politely screen out nosy neighbors or unkempt yards, these plants can make wonderful additions to all parts of a garden. Unfortunately, many species of pine, spruce, fir, and other evergreen conifers are just too big for today’s smaller landscapes. But gardeners, don’t despair! An infinite number of smaller, more manageable selections offer the same desirable attributes as their larger cousins. Below are some exciting, versatile introductions that will add year-round interest to any garden.

Colorful Options Abound

‘Pusch’ Norway spruce offers pretty cones on a petite plant

Size: 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Upright Japanese plum yew invites eye-level inspection

All too often, garden beds are made up of similar-shaped plants that one’s eye tends to quickly scan over. Adding a vertical accent to a bed will break up the monotony, stop the eye, and encourage closer inspection. Many conifers add verticality, but one of the easiest to grow is upright Japanese plum yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’). Each dark green column is made up of thick, rubbery needles that radiate around the stems to resemble bottlebrushes. As the plants mature, they take on more of an upright, vase-shaped habit. And for those of us who would love to grow yews (Taxus spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9) but know better thanks to Bambi and friends, plum yews are—dare I say it—deer resistant! And if you have a tight space or lightly shaded corner, this plant will rise to the challenge.

Zones: 6–9

Size: 8 to 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide

Conditions: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

‘Firefly’ Oriental spruce glows all year long

For those gardeners who enjoy golden-yellow highlights year-round, ‘Firefly’ Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis ‘Firefly’ is certain to add a spark to any landscape. ‘Firefly’, a seedling of the large selection ‘Skylands’, offers the same brilliant show as its mother, only in a smaller package. And, unlike most kids, ‘Firefly’ behaves in the garden, becoming a glowing, dense, conical shrub. While its namesake insect uses a twinkling light show to attract mates, ‘Firefly’ uses its glowing color to charm new admirers.

Zones: 4–8

Size: 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil

‘Mini Twists’ Eastern white pine has a unique look

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus, Zones 3 to 8) is a common evergreen native to the eastern United States and is well known for its many exciting cultivars. ‘Mini Twists’ (P. strobus ‘Mini Twists’) is a distinctive dwarf introduction that offers soft, blue-green needles that gracefully twist and curve. These unusual needles provide wonderful textural interest and contrast that draw in any passerby and encourage a brief caress. Older specimens will be dense and take on a globose, somewhat pyramidal form that’s perfect for a space-challenged landscape.

Zones: 2–8

Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide after 10 years

Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

‘Gebelle’s Golden Spring’ Colorado spruce is showiest in spring

Colorado spruce (Picea pungens, Zones 3–8) is generally used for screening or as a slow-growing specimen. People enjoy its “Christmas tree” habit and usually plant them in the front yard and after Thanksgiving will decorate them with festive lights. ‘Gebelle’s Golden Spring’ (P. pungens ‘Gebelle’s Golden Spring’) puts on its own light show each May when the new growth bursts forth a screaming yellow color, stealing the show in the spring garden. This brilliant display will remain effective for several weeks until summer draws close and the needles mellow to blue-green.

Zones: 3–8

Size: 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide after 10 years

Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil

‘Whipcord’ Western arborvitae is as cool to touch as it is to look at

Another “touchy-feely” dwarf conifer is ‘Whipcord’ Western arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’) which features dark green, spaghetti-like, pendulous branches. The effect is reminiscent of a 1960s fiber-optic lamp, with branches exploding dramatically from the center of each plant. This groovy plant forms a dense, rounded mound of arching stems that add a delicate textural contrast to bold-leaved plants. As cold weather sets in, the foliage takes on bronze tones. So let your inner flower child bloom and add this cool cat to your garden.

Identification

➨ Pine (Pinus spp. and cvs., Zones 2–9): Multiple needles emerging from one place on branch, usually in clusters of two, three, or five. To remember: Pine needles come in packages.
➨ Spruce (Picea spp. and cvs., Zones 2–8): Stiff, prickly needles that are four-sided, so they roll easily between your fingers. To remember: Spruce is square and sharp.
➨ Fir (Abies spp. and cvs., Zones 3–8): Needles are softer and two-sided, so they don’t roll as easily. Often they have distinctive white lines on the undersides of the needles, are arranged comblike on branches, and have a pleasant, citrusy fragrance when crushed. To remember: Firs are flat and friendly to the touch (sort of).