Dwarf Conifers for the Garden-- Part 1
Linda Anson
Fresh Air Garden Designs
540-872-5132 or info@freshairdesigns.com

Of all the evergreens available to us here in Virginia, perhaps the least understood group are the conifers. We often think of conifers as those large, majestic specimens we see in photographs of the forests of our northern states and Canada. And, indeed, most conifers are particularly happy in the colder climes, with their southernmost zone being Zone 7. Fortunately, we here in central Virginia with our Zone 6b and Zone 7 conditions, can experiment with of a number of conifers. Equally fortunate, there are now available a number of cultivars whose size permits the incorporation of conifers into even the smallest of gardens.

This week we will begin by reviewing some of the less well known conifers such as the true cedars, the Japanese cedar, the plum yew, and Russian arborvitae (Microbiota). In Part 2 we'll consider some select pines and spruces, the false cypress, and discuss the plight of the Canadian hemlock. The cultivars that will be described are usually readily available through Virginia's garden centers or wholesale nurseries. There are many other cultivars, of course, which may be available through mail order, but which have not been acclimated to Virginia. We will not be discussing the many junipers and arborvitae that grow so well here, and are real workhorses in our gardens. Nor will we discuss yews, which are not true conifers but are often grouped with them because of the similar needles.

Of the "true" cedars, the three that seem to do better in our region are the Atlas Cedar, Cedrus atlantica, and the Deodar Cedar, Cedrus deodara, (zones 6/7-8/9) and the Lebanon Cedar, Cedrus libani.(zones 5-7)

	Although the most popular of the Atlas cedars is the blue form 'Glauca', it can reach 60'+ and would be too big for most of our gardens. A beautiful specimen to try, however, in the right location is the weeping form, 'Glauca Pendula', which can be trained across a wall, its blue-needled branches cascading like water. With careful training, pruning and staking, it's definitely a conversation piece. It tends to grow quickly while young, then slows down. It prefers a well-drained, moist deep, loamy soil; sun or partial shade; and needs shelter from strong winds. A good example is at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond.
	The Deodar cedar reaches 30-70' high at maturity, and there are no dwarf forms readily available at this time. You can see them around Richmond on some of the larger properties, such as Maymont. If you have the space, it's a beauty with its silvery blue or gray green 1.5" needles and graceful pendulous branching.
	Of the Lebanon cedars, 'Nana' is a graceful dwarf form with a mature height of about 10'. It grows slowly, and demands a sunny, dry and pollution-free location, and good deep, well-drained loam.