Dwarf conifers? Where to buy?

15 years ago

Is this a kosher question? Not sure, but seems okay to me. What Denver area nurseries have the best selection of dwarf conifers? Tagawa seems to have a decent list and I bought one there last year, but I'm wondering what other options there are.

I'm thinking this bed needs some structure and am thinking of planting a smaller conifer in the middle and a taller, maybe blue (Picea pungens Montgomery?) toward the south (left) end, under the window. Am a bit limited because this bed only gets 2-3 hours of sun a day, then bright shade (so not sure of picea pungens). If you grow one of the dwarf pungens in some shade, how is it doing? Is the blue still nice in those conditions?

I have had some good suggestions on the conifer forum, and would rather buy locally than mail order, if possible. A couple of the suggestions were dwarf picea orientalis and chamaecyparis. Where am I most likely to find these around here?

Thanks!

Comments (5)

nicole__
15 years ago
I love the dwarf alberta spruce. Grows about 3' tall, perfect for "structure" and small size, very hardy. I was at Walmart, here in Co Spgs, on 8th street yesterday. They offer a 1 year warranty and had several in 1 gallon containers marked down to $2.50......!!!!! Check it out!!!!
coloradobird
Original Author
15 years ago
Wierd, I put a reply here and it's not here. Hmmm, that's a bummer.

Anyway, thanks, Nicole, for your suggestion. I did buy a 3 foot+ DAS for another spot, but I want more of a specimen tree for this place, so I decided on a Weeping Eastern Pine (Pinus strobus 'Pendula'). Cost $700 at a local nursery so I decided to buy online. I'll just have to be patient while it grows. . .

As far as the spruce, I'm a little concerned about spider mites. I don't know how much of a problem they're likely to be here.
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nicole__
15 years ago
Spidermites.....are an indoor problem here. Clovermites are a problem....but they eat mosly grass. Junipers are pretty disease free here. There is a spittle bug problem, it's just ugly , won't kill the bush. In the fall we spray the tops of our blue spruce or the cabbage butterfly larve eat the tops. Other than that.....lots of water is required! :0)
catladysgarden
15 years ago
I've seen dwarf conifers at Paulino's. Check with them.
coloradobird
Original Author
15 years ago
Nicole, I'm surprised your spruce needs lots of water. I had a big blue spruce once that didn't need a lot, but it was large and very established.

Cat Lady, I will check Paulino's. I also found that Timberline Gardens has an excellent selection, but I have waited too long. . .