Miniature Conifers
If you’re yearning for something to freshen up your winter containers, miniature conifers (often described as dwarf and semi-dwarf) are a great solution. They’re also wonderful additions to beds and borders, providing mid to low layers of structure, texture, and color.
Plant care & info
Conifers can grow at varying rates of speed, and since most gardeners are working with limited space, understanding growth rates is very important. The American Conifer Society has developed 4 categories for growth.
- Miniature
- Rate: Less than 1″/yr
- Size in 10 years: 10-12″
- Dwarf
- Rate: 1″-6″/yr
- Size in 10 years: 1’-6’
- Semi-Dwarf
- Rate: 6″-12″/yr
- Size in 10 years: 6’-15’
- Large
- Rate: More than 12″/yr
- Size in 10 years: Over 15’
Most labels on conifer plants list a 10 year size, but conifers do not stop growing after 10 years. Assume the 20 year size to be double the 10 year size.
Cultural conditions (sun, rain, soil compaction, fertilizer, etc.) affect the growth rate of any given plant. For example, it rains a lot in the Portland metro area, the moisture often makes plants grow on the larger side of the growth spectrum.
Shape matters. Conifers come in all shapes; pencil, globe, cone, vase, weeping and creeping.
Some grow outward rather than upward, so knowing the shape of the plant is the key to understanding how much room it will take in your yard.
Before choosing a plant, take time to observe the light conditions at your planting site.
Areas that are sunny during the hottest parts of the day, south and west facing spots, require planting trees that enjoy warmth, such as Picea, Juniperus, and Pinus.
Shady areas, those usually on the north and east sides of a house, are better suited to plants like Chamaecyparis obtusa, Taxus, and Tsuga.
Conifers planted in the correct light conditions for their needs have the best needle color, avoid sunburn, and don’t need as much summer water. They’re just fuller, happier plants!
Conifers come in a wide range of colors and textures, and can play off of their surroundings in beautiful and unique ways.
Before choosing a conifer, take into consideration the colors and textures of the site where the plant will go. What is the house color? If there are trees, what is their summer and fall leaf color?
Knowing this can help you decide between gold and blue needles, bright and dark green leaves, or winter oranges and purples.
The most important things to know about conifers when considering a purchase are growth rate and shape. Light conditions and needle color are also key factors.
