Designing With Conifers: Personality and Form in the Garden

Many of us have fond childhood memories of running through forests or parks, dwarfed by the large trees that towered overhead. Even as adults, if we are asked to close our eyes and picture a tree, similar images might spring to mind. But not all trees fit into that mold. Conifers, for example, come in a myriad of shapes with which to work in designing our unique and personal garden spaces. It has been said that because of this, conifers seem to have personalities all their own. Consider injecting a shot of personality into your garden by thoughtfully introducing some conifers.

A conifer garden is a study in shapes. Some conifers are upright and conical, like Christmas trees. Others are narrow and columnar, while still others are mounding or weeping. Some even crawl across the ground. All are unique, interesting and worth exploring.

Psychologists tell us that certain shapes elicit certain emotional responses. Let’s look at some prevalent conifer shapes and how you can use them to bring art, emotion and personality into your garden.


Conical. This iconic shape rekindles Christmas memories. Conical trees, like these blue spruces (Picea pungens, zones 2 to 7; find your zone), also conjure images of exploration and discovery. Use one as a focal point or to bring height and mass to a bed of low-growing shrubs and perennials. Or consider planting several to give your landscape that woodsy look.

Recommended conifers: Colorado blue spruce, Norway spruce (Picea abies, zones 2 to 8; check invasive status in your area), Vanderwolf limber pine (Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’, zones 4 to 7) and Oregon Green Austrian pine (Pinus nigra ‘Oregon Green’, zones 4 to 8).



Columnar. Narrow, columnar trees, such as these Alaskan cedars (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, zones 4 to 8), provide height where it is needed most, lifting the eye to fill out a garden vignette. Columnar trees generally take up little square footage, which is a bonus in small gardens. Columnar trees can also be used to mimic architectural columns to frame front entryways for added emphasis.

Recommended conifers: Alaskan cedars, of which ‘Van Den Akker’ is the narrowest cultivar; columnar Norway spruce (Picea abies ‘Cupressina’, zones 2 to 8); and Degroot’s Spire arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Degroot’s Spire’, zones 3 to 8).


Round. Round or mounding conifers, such as globe blue spruce (Picea pungens ‘Globosa’, zones 2 to 8), pull the eye back down to ground level and contrast well with other shapes in the garden. Additionally, many people find this shape soothing and nurturing. Round conifers tend to be rich in texture.

Recommended conifers: Globe spruce, Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Bobozam’, zones 3 to 8), dwarf Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’, zones 5 to 8), bird’s nest spruce (Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’, zones 2 to 8), mugo pine (Pinus mugo, zones 2 to 8) and blue star juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’, zones 4 to 8).


Prostrate. Prostrate conifers have no vertical central leader, making them perfect candidates for a unique ground cover. They tend to create a peaceful, soothing vibe for those who spend time with them. Prostrate conifers are shown to best advantage when allowed to cascade gently over walls or climb over boulders.

Recommended conifers: Dwarf Japanese garden juniper (Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’, zones 4 to 9, shown here), carpet juniper (Juniperus horizontalis cvs, zones 3 to 9), the shade-loving Cole’s Prostrate Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Cole’s Prostrate’, zones 3 to 7) and Blue Snake deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara ‘Blue Snake’, zones 7 to 9).


Weeping. Weeping conifers, like fine wine, can be an acquired taste. To some they exude personality; to others, they can seem depressing. Generally, however, they seem relaxed and add that feeling to the garden. They contrast well with conifers of differing shapes. Practice caution when using multiple weeping conifers in one sight line, as they can be overwhelming when planted en masse.

Recommended conifers: Angel Falls white pine (Pinus strobus ‘Angel Falls’, zones 3 to 8) and weeping Norway spruce (Picea abies ‘Pendula’, zones 3 to 8), both shown here. Others to consider include the weeping blue atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca pendula’, zones 6 to 9), the deciduous Cascade Falls bald cypress (Taxodium distichum ‘Cascade Falls’, zones 4 to 9) and the weeping Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’, zones 3 to 7).


Contorted. Most of these trees arose as sports from weeping conifers. They are weepers on steroids, each one developing its own unique shape; no two are alike. Contorted conifers make incredible specimen plants when used thoughtfully.

Recommended conifers: Blue Cascade blue atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Blue Cascade’, zones 6 to 9, shown here) and Big Wave Norway spruce (Picea abies ‘Big Wave’, zones 2 to 8).


Specialty pruned conifers. These conifers are full of mystique and personality, conjuring images of Asian gardens. They are, however, equally at home in contemporary spaces. They are meticulously pruned and shaped over many years, generally into cloud or pom-pom formations. No two are alike, so selecting one in person is imperative.

Recommended conifers for this type of pruning: Black pine (Pinus nigra, zones 4 to 8, shown here), Thunderhead pine (Pinus thunbergii ‘Thunderhead’, zones 5 to 10), dwarf Japanese garden juniper and Boulevard false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Boulevard’, zones 4 to 8).

Next: Designing With Conifers: Exploring Color

More: Houzz guides to beautiful foliage

URL: Designing With Conifers: Personality and Form in the Garden http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-25661.html