Iseli Nursery: Dwarf Conifers, Japanese Maples, Living Art®, Bonsai

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Plant Name	Habit	Zone	Rate	Color	Description
Picea abies 'Acrocona'	Upright Broad	3	Intermediate	Green	Even when young, this delightful conifer develops remarkable, raspberry-red cones on the tips of its branches in spring. The unusual coning habit tends to modify growth rate and shape and to produce a broad, spreading pyramid, which becomes wider than tall with age. Known since 1890, when found in a forest near Uppsala, Sweden, the plant has an apt name, 'Acrocona,' which means "with terminal cones on the ends of the branches".
Picea abies 'Barryi'	Upright Broad	3	Dwarf	Green	This slow-growing Norway Spruce changes shape as it ages, from a diminutive globe when young to an upright, broad spire at maturity. Short, dark green needles and many brown buds densely cover the stout, rigid branches. Although 'Barryi' develops its characteristic shape slowly, it is well worth the wait.
Picea abies 'Cincinata'	Upright Broad	3	Large	Green	A large, stately tree with widely spreading, sweeping branches, this majestic specimen is ideal for expansive landscapes and estates. Long, rich green needles cover the dense, draping branchlets and give 'Cincinata' a lush, elegant appearance. Limited Availability
Picea abies 'Clanbrassiliana Stricta'	Upright Broad	4	Intermediate	Green	Named for Lord Clanbrassil of Ireland, who introduced several Picea abies cultivars during the late 18th century, this selection matures slowly into a beautifully compact, broadly pyramidal plant---the ideal shape for a dwarf Christmas tree.
Picea abies 'Cobra'	Upright Broad	3	Large	Green	Each example of this new seedling selection from Iseli Nursery has its own wildly unique character that combines the ground-covering qualities of its parent, Picea abies 'Pendula', with the bizarre, snake-like branching of Picea abies 'Virgata'. When staked, trees have a relatively tall, straight, sparsely branched main trunk and a thick, ground-hugging skirt that radiates outward with dancing, cobra-like leaders. Best in full sun.
Picea abies 'Cupressina'	Upright Narrow	4	Large	Green	The narrow, fastigiate form of 'Cupressina' is in high demand for urban and boundary plantings where strong vertical accents are required. This selection grows quite quickly and withstands snow loads better than other fastigiate types.
Picea abies 'Elegans'	Spreading	3	Dwarf	Green	The densely arranged, slightly ascending branches of this dark green, flat-topped, dwarf nest spruce will add classy elegance to any garden. Plants break bud and develop bright green new growth earlier in spring than other nest types. Use the irregularly rounded, slow-growing, spreading plant as a low garden accent.
Picea abies 'Fat Cat'	Globe Shaped	3	Dwarf	Green	A dense, rounded form of the bird's-nest-type Norway Spruce, this uniformly globose selection is a blown up version of 'Little Gem.' It has very short, stiff needles and short shoots that give it the appearance of a rotund, green cat, curled up in a ball for a snooze. Iseli Nursery acquired the plant, a witch's broom from Picea abies 'Graciosa', in 1994 and officially named it for a tubby, slumbering feline. Extremely hardy, reliable and slow-growing, this kitty creates a presence in the landscape, but don't try to pet its "fur".
Picea abies 'Formanek'	Prostrate	3	Dwarf	Green	This radically prostrate, slow-growing form of Norway Spruce will become a densely matted, spreading carpet over time. If staked up, its strongly weeping branches cascade down and create a pendulous form. Unstaked, it is the perfect plant to creep over and around rocks.
Picea abies 'Frohburg'	Weeping	3	Intermediate	Green	This narrower form of Weeping Norway Spruce offers a strictly pendulous habit with a full, spreading skirt and a slower growth rate. A finer texture is the result of shorter, slender, medium green needles. Use this choice selection for landscapes with limited space. Introduced by A. Haller Nursery, Switzerland in 1973.
Picea abies 'Gem'	Globe Shaped	3	Dwarf	Green	This new Iseli introduction, a witch's broom from Picea abies 'Nidiformis', combines the easy care and durability of its parent with the tiny needles and tight form of a miniature. The plant's growth rate and ultimate size fit neatly between the faster, larger 'Nidiformis' and the very slow, very small 'Little Gem', Perfect for today's small gardens, this treasure will maintain its tidy, restrained form over the long term.
Picea abies 'Gregoryana Parsonsii'	Upright Broad	3	Dwarf	Green	An irregular, dwarfed alpine shape makes this selection the perfect rock garden specimen. It sports relatively thick, green needles, tan stems and bright brown buds. Longer, flatter needles and a slightly more open habit distinguish 'Gregoryana Parsonsii' from 'Gregoryana'.
Picea abies 'Hillside Upright'	Upright Narrow	3	Intermediate	Green	'Hillside Upright' is an elegant plant with irregular branching that produces a natural look stylish enough for use in a container or as a focal point. Its needles, which are among the darkest of the green-needled conifers grown by Iseli Nursery, contrast well with the tree's brown buds. Found at Hillside Nursery by Layne Ziegenfus, Lehighton, Pennsylvania.
Picea abies 'Jessy'	Globe Shaped	3	Miniature	Green	A seedling selection found in 1982, 'Jessy' is a true gem for the dwarf conifer enthusiast. Abundant, itty-bitty buds accent a dense load of little needles that cover many mini-branches on this tiny plant. The original is less than 2' wide after 25 years. Liners Only
Picea abies 'Jogeua'	Globe Shaped	3	Dwarf	Green	The distinctive, long, narrow branches of this bright green, mounded, dwarf point up and out, which gives the compact, densely branched globe a unique look. Downward facing needles provide interesting texture too. Use this handsome plant to accent smaller landscapes. Limited Availability
Picea abies 'Kellerman's Blue Cameo'	Globe Shaped	3	Dwarf	Bluish Green	'Kellerman's Blue Cameo' features a tight, slightly irregular, mounded form that is wider than tall. Stout branches that taper toward the tips are covered with dense, gray-green needles, so they look like bottlebrushes. These features distinguish it from other green, mounding forms and make it an excellent choice for courtyard plantings and rock gardens, where a small stature shows up. Limited Availability
Picea abies 'Lanham's Beehive'	Globe Shaped	3	Dwarf	Green	The late Gary Lanham found this unusual, boldly textured, compact Norway Spruce in 1994 in Kentucky, a witch's broom nearly 10' up in a mature Picea abies. Intrigued by the interesting beehive form, Gary took it to Klein's Nursery in Louisville, and from there, it made its way to Iseli Nursery. The needles of 'Lanham's Beehive' are longer and thicker than other dwarf cultivars and they have a slight glaucous tint. These features, combined with prominent, cinnamon-colored stems and buds, create a dramatic effect.
Picea abies 'Little Gem'	Globe Shaped	4	Dwarf	Green	Tufts of tiny green needles cover the many short shoots of this dense, tight bun. Originally a witch's broom on 'Nidiformis' and more ball-like than its parent, it was discovered in 1958 and has been an extremely popular plant ever since. Its tough constitution and restrained growth assure good performance in a variety of garden situations where it resembles a lush, green pincushion.
Picea abies 'Motala'	Globe Shaped	3	Dwarf	Green	A unique needle arrangement and color give this novel form of Norway Spruce a distinctive look. Blunt-tipped needles radiate out and downward on short, stout, vertical branches, which produces an Abies-like appearance. Minute, glaucous striations on needle tops complement the color with a silver-blue cast. This attractive selection, rarely found in the trade, enhances any landscape.
Picea abies 'Mucronata'	Upright Broad	4	Dwarf	Green	A dark green, compact selection, this irregularly mounding spruce produces thick, stiff shoots with large, brown buds. Plants grow slowly when young, but as they mature, the rate of growth accelerates and they eventually develop leaders with several sub-leaders.
Picea abies 'Nidiformis'	Spreading	3	Dwarf	Green	A well-known, flat-topped, nest-type spruce, this broadly rounded, symmetrical plant produces layers of dense, horizontal or slightly ascending branches. It grows very slowly and becomes much wider than tall with a nest-like depression in the center after many years. Refreshing light green.
Picea abies 'Pendula'	Weeping	3	Large	Green	The dark green, Weeping Norway Spruce can be staked and trained into an outstanding upright specimen, or it can be allowed to grow as an undulating groundcover that drapes over slopes and walls. Plant a row of young 'Pendula' plants with stake and wire supports to train them into a narrow, living fence.
Picea abies 'Pendula Major'	Upright Broad	3	Large	Green	'Pendula Major' grows into a large tree, with irregular branching and branchlets that drape from the main branches to form a curtained effect with age. Plants appear awkward in youth, but with time, they become beautiful, graceful trees with outstanding character.
Picea abies 'Pruhoniciana'	Upright Broad	3	Large	Green	This fascinating cultivar combines characteristics of both the weeping and the snake-branch forms of Picea abies. Each tree becomes a large, unique work of art with undulating branches and draping branchlets. The structure is more open and wide than that of 'Pendula', and the foliage is thicker and more dense than that of the bizarrely beautiful 'Virgata'. The tree's distinctive character assures it will become an outstanding focal plant with age. As with other cultivars of Picea abies, it performs best in cool, moist conditions. Limited Availability
Picea abies 'Pumila'	Globe Shaped	3	Dwarf	Green	Unusually uniform branches, covered with short, dark-green needles, point up and out on this distinct, nest-style spruce. When young, it has a more rounded habit than the familiar, flatter types, but it eventually spreads out with age too. New growth appears later in the season than it does on other nest types.
Picea abies 'Pusch'	Globe Shaped	3	Dwarf	Green	Named Collector's Conifer of the Year in 2008, this small, slow-growing Norway Spruce, a witch's broom from 'Acrocona', produces loads of bright red cones on many short shoots in spring. The tiny cones brown as they age, but continue to decorate the irregular, dwarf variety year-round. Globose when young, the small spruce develops an upright broad shape with maturity. It is extremely hardy and grows well in full sun or part shade. From the former East Germany. Limited Availability
Picea abies 'Repens'	Spreading	3	Dwarf	Green	This nest-type spruce is easily distinguished from 'Nidiformis' by its rich, darker green needles and by its shoots, which grow uniformly at about a 45° angle. The consistent, spreading plant, although procumbent, builds up in the center. Limited Availability
Picea abies 'Rubra Spicata'	Upright Broad	3	Large	Green/Red	For about two weeks in spring, deep red new growth gives this uncommon cultivar a surprising look for a spruce. Gradually, the foliage changes to reddish-brown and then to green. Although it grows less quickly than the species, 'Rubra Spicata' eventually becomes a large tree with an open habit. Found in Czechoslovakia in 1973, propagated in England, and introduced to the United States in 1981.
Picea abies 'Sherwood Compact'	Upright Narrow	4	Intermediate	Green	Site this narrow, pyramidal tree where its strongly ascending branches can develop into a mid-size, distinctly upright cone in the landscape. In addition to size and shape, the cultivar produces many soft-brown shoots and clean-green needles. Use it as a specimen in a small space that deserves a big impact or use it as part of a privacy wall. Another great selection from nurseryman Andy Sherwood of Oregon.
Picea abies 'Thumbelina'	Globe Shaped	3	Miniature	Green	This extremely dense, tiny Norway Spruce was found at Iseli Nursery as a witch's broom on Picea abies 'Gregoryana Parsonsii', a dwarf alpine gem in its own right. More globose than its parent, the tight cushion of sharp, short needles puts on a nice winter decoration: prominent brown buds for seasonal interest.
Picea abies 'Tompa'	Upright Broad	3	Dwarf	Green	Fresh green needles and a compact habit make this slow-growing Norway Spruce a great choice for smaller landscapes and rock gardens. Its wide, conical shape resembles the well-known Alberta Spruce for which it is a superior alternative.
Picea abies 'Virgata'	Upright Broad	3	Large	Green	This bizarrely beautiful tree is commonly called the Snake Branch Spruce, because its long, main branches, with few or no lateral branches, drape and sway with Medusa-like style. Long, dark green needles on thick stems give the large, eye-catching lawn specimen an open look. Limited Availability
Picea abies 'Walzlawik'	Upright Broad	3	Large	Green	This rare, upright tree form of the hardy Norway Spruce offers a fascinating combination of tiny and tremendous. Tiny features include extremely short needles, long, thin branches and tiny buds, which together produce an airy, almost lacy texture. Over time, though, the growth rate picks up, and a full-sized tree develops. A refreshing variation from more congested spruce forms, the unusual selection from Germany will be a large, durable addition to the landscape. Limited Availability
Picea abies 'Witches' Brood'	Upright Broad	3	Dwarf	Green	This green, dwarf spruce has a gumdrop shape when young, but it matures into a small tree with a broad, conical form. Short, slender needles and tan buds, arranged closely on light brown, gently curved shoots, give the cultivar, found as a witch's broom seedling selection by Linc Foster, an appealing look.
Picea bicolor 'Howell's Dwarf'	Upright Broad	5	Large	Bluish Green	The most colorful of all bicolors, this selection boasts needles with bright, silver-blue undersides, green tops and a tint of yellow on the most exposed surfaces. A flat-topped bush when young, it eventually develops into a pyramidal tree, or you can maintain its flat form by removing upward shoots that start from rose-purple buds.
Picea breweriana	Upright Broad	5	Intermediate	Green	The slow-growing Brewer's Spruce is renowned for its long curtains of branchlets that drape elegantly from the main branches. Native to a few isolated locations in northwest California and southwest Oregon, the tree develops slowly but becomes unforgettably beautiful in time. Limited Availability
Picea engelmanii 'Hexenbesen Jasper'	Globe Shaped	3	Dwarf	Bluish Green	Softer in color and in needle texture than dwarf Picea pungens cultivars, this compact, globose spruce traces its roots to a species native to the Rocky Mountains. Rarely seen in the trade, the muted, blue-green conifer thrives in cool, mountain conditions, so its subtle, rugged beauty makes a perfect addition to the alpine garden.
Picea glauca 'Blue Planet'	Globe Shaped	4	Miniature	Bluish Green	Sporting some of the tiniest needles on the planet, this miniature bun is a reliable choice for tight garden spaces. The short, thin needles have a slight blue cast which complements the true greens and blues in the landscape. Excellent selection for the railway garden, troughs, and rock garden. Expose to full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Liners Only
Picea glauca 'Cecilia'	Globe Shaped	2	Dwarf	Bluish Green	Stout, blue-gray needles and a rounded habit distinguish this versatile, compact selection, found as a witch's broom by Greg Williams near Shippack Highway, northeast of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Limited Availability
Picea glauca 'Compacta'	Upright Broad	3	Large	Green	The compact form and superior hardiness of this White Spruce combine to make a sturdy, durable landscape feature. The large tree has slender shoots and short needles, and its naturally uniform shape makes it a good choice for a landscape holiday tree, a screen, a windbreak or a refuge for birds. Very adaptable, it can withstand wind, heat, drought, cold, salt and crowding. Attractive near a stream or slope. Limited Availability
Picea glauca 'Conica'	Upright Narrow	4	Dwarf	Green	The classic Dwarf Alberta Spruce may well be the most popular, familiar, dwarf conifer in cultivation. It grows slowly into a perfectly conical, small tree with a thick coating of fine, green needles. Its perfect form, compact growth and dense foliage make it ideal for entry, container and landscape. It responds well to shearing and shaping for topiary too. Found at Lake Leggan, Alberta, Canada, by Prof. J.G. Jack and Alfred Rehder of the Arnold Arboretum in 1904, it appreciates consistent moisture, good nutrition and an occasional blast from the garden hose during summer to increase pest resistance.
Picea glauca 'Echiniformis'	Globe Shaped	3	Miniature	Bluish Green	Short, blue-green needles with a hint of gray cover this low, slow-growing, compact cushion of a conifer. Its dense network of tiny branches and its sharp needles work together to create an animated pincushion plant that makes a great addition to rock and trough gardens. Prune out any errant branches to maintain the tight, rounded form.
Picea glauca 'Elf'	Globe Shaped	4	Miniature	Green	This Alberta-type gem grows extremely slowly and forms a dense globe with short, fine needles that emerge blue-green in spring. Ideal for rock garden, trough or miniature railroad. A witch's broom found on Picea glauca 'Conica'.
Picea glauca 'Hobbit'	Globe Shaped	4	Dwarf	Green	This short, plump selection of Picea glauca 'Conica' exhibits the same likeability as its namesake, Bilbo Baggins from JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit. Like Baggins, the small, reliable Alberta-type is half-size, well behaved and hard working. Tiny, green needles on upright branches give the globe-shaped young 'Hobbit' charm and contribute to its appeal as it matures into a wide cone. Provide ample moisture for this adaptable cultivar discovered at Iseli Nursery.
Picea glauca 'Humpty Dumpty'	Upright Broad	4	Dwarf	Green	The habit of this extremely dense, Alberta-type plant explains it name: short and plump, kind of egg-shaped, like Humpty Dumpty. With nearly equal base width and height, it forms an almost perfect pyramid that is only two-thirds the size of 'Conica.' Found as a witch's broom and introduced by Iseli Nursery.
Picea glauca 'Jean's Dilly'®	Upright Narrow	4	Dwarf	Green	Pronounced "John's" Dilly, this extraordinary, Alberta-type selection bears the name of dwarf conifer pioneer Jean Iseli. It was named by his brother, Andre', to note the plant's remarkable qualities. Much smaller, denser and slower growing than other Alberta types, its short, fine needles display a distinctive twist during the growing season. Spring growth starts about 3-4 weeks later than 'Conica's. Found at Iseli Nursery in 1981, this signature plant is a fitting choice to honor the co-founder of Iseli Nursery.
Picea glauca 'Little Globe'	Globe Shaped	3	Dwarf	Green	Medium-green foliage and large, prominent buds distinguish this compact, globe-shaped conifer. Its slow, consistent growth assures a neat shape without shearing, making it an excellent conifer to contribute shape, color and texture to rock garden, courtyard or landscape. Found as a witch's broom on the species.
Picea glauca 'North Star'	Upright Narrow	3	Intermediate	Green	Selected for its resilience to harsh winter conditions, this sturdy, compact White Spruce produces a densely branched, classic pyramid that is covered with medium-green needles. Its moderate growth rate and ultimate, intermediate size, together with superior hardiness make this introduction from Iseli Nursery ideal for use in larger, more exposed spaces, mixed borders and beds.
Picea glauca 'Pendula'	Weeping	2	Intermediate	Bluish Green	Jean Iseli "rediscovered" this outstanding weeping selection in 1982 at the Morton Arboretum in Illinois, where a specimen had grown since 1958. Iseli fell in love with the distinctive tree's formal, narrow, conical shape and its pendulous, stiffly held, drooping branches and loads of light, gray-green foliage. The original tree was propagated by D. Hill Nursery from a tree in a native stand near Guelph, Ontario. The elegant, dramatic conifer was nearly lost to cultivation.
Picea glauca 'Pixie'	Upright Narrow	4	Dwarf	Green	This tiny, Alberta-type selection of Picea glauca has short, dark-green needles with a slight blue cast. Much more dense and compact than 'Conica', it also displays a prominent show of large, round buds that give the tree a decorated look. A petite, narrow accent for rock garden, trough, courtyard or landscape.
Picea glauca 'Pixie Dust'	Upright Narrow	4	Miniature	Green/Yellow	Extremely dense, compact and slow growing, this miniature selection resembles 'Conica' in form, but offers a special feature. When the second flush of growth emerges in summer, the new tips are yellow, a surprising effect that contrasts dramatically with the deep-green, mature foliage. Chosen by the American Conifer Society as 2006 Collector's Conifer of the Year, this adaptable cultivar produces a magical effect in trough, container or rock garden. Provide ample moisture and full sun for the best color on this sport of 'Pixie' that was discovered at Iseli Nursery.
Picea glauca 'Rainbow's End'®	Upright Narrow	4	Dwarf	Green/Yellow	Superior seasonal color makes 'Rainbow's End'« a brilliant addition to the summer garden. A second flush of growth transforms the light-green, conical tree in mid-summer into a beacon of bright lemon-yellow. Although similar in size and shape to 'Conica,' the extraordinary color of this tree offers a dramatic summer surprise. Found as a mutation at Iseli Nursery in 1978, it appreciates consistent moisture, good nutrition and an occasional blast from the garden hose during summer to increase pest resistance.
Picea glauca 'Sanders Blue'	Upright Narrow	4	Dwarf	Bluish Green	'Sanders Blue' is an attractive, Alberta-type spruce that displays a medley of foliage color as needles change at different rates from bright slate-blue to more on the green side. Similar in size and shape to 'Conica', the pointed, conical conifer makes a novel, seemingly textural, focal point that produces the best color in colder climates.
Picea glauca 'Yukon Blue'	Upright Broad	3	Intermediate	Bluish Green	Short, electric blue-gray needles and prominent, brown buds at the tips of the branches give this narrow, upright pyramid a distinctive look. With a slightly faster rate of growth than 'Conica', it makes an exceptional focal point or grouping.
Picea glehnii 'Yatsubusa'	Upright Broad	3	Dwarf	Bluish Green	This dwarf variety of Sakhalin Spruce, a species native to Russia and northern Japan, has open, layered branches that lend formality to the handsome, pyramidal tree. The slow-growing conifer has two-color, closely held needles that produce a frosted look. This unique feature, blue tops and green reverses, is the opposite of most two-color needles. Interesting, exfoliating, chocolate-brown bark develops with age. Very adaptable and great for small gardens or containers. Limited Availability
Picea likiangensis	Upright Broad	5	Large	Bluish Green	This rare and hardy Chinese Spruce comes from the Jade Dragon Mountains in China. In spring, the widely spreading, open tree develops distinctive purplish-red cones that stand up and stand out above attractive blue-gray foliage. Limited Availability
Picea mariana 'Ericoides'	Spreading	3	Dwarf	Bluish Green	Known as the Blue Nest Spruce, this low, full, symmetrical selection is valued for its beautiful blue-green color, its uniform shape, its soft texture and its excellent hardiness. Use it as a spreading accent along border edges or atop a raised knoll.
Picea mariana 'Golden'	Upright Broad	3	Large	Bluish Green/Yellow	This broad, upright cultivar produces an attractive horizontal branch structure and interesting, colorful foliage. Needles that are primarily blue-green have a creamy yellow frosting, a feature that accentuates the layered look of the large conifer.
Picea omorika 'Aurea'	Upright Broad	4	Large	Yellow	This full-sized tree has a narrow, spire-like habit and unique coloring. Especially in full sun, new foliage is a subdued, subtle yellow that changes as the season progresses, becoming more like a glaze on the otherwise blue-green needles.
Picea omorika 'Bruns'	Upright Broad	4	Large	Bluish Green	The strongly upright branches of this spire-like spruce reveal bright white stomata on the undersides of the needles, which gives the tree a shimmering silver cast. Its pyramidal form and dense, graceful branches create a striking silver-blue structure, wider at the bottom, sweeping up into a spire. Uncommon in the trade, this large, handsome cultivar commands attention. Don't confuse it with the slower, narrower 'Pendula Bruns'. Plant it in deep, rich, well-drained soil in full sun.
Picea omorika 'de Ruyter'	Upright Broad	4	Intermediate	Bluish Green	Texture, color and an irregular sculptural habit give this adaptable, slow-growing Serbian Spruce unique character and make it an excellent focal point for the small garden. Individual shoots display either blue needles for a frosty look, or green needles for a softer look, both on the same plant. The interesting, rustic appearance will accent many garden styles.
Picea omorika 'Gnom'	Upright Broad	4	Dwarf	Green	Green above and white below, the two-tone needles are typical of the species, but this plant is unique with its gnome-like stature. From a wide, rounded base, layers of dense branches slowly taper to a point at the top. Texture, color and form work together to give 'Gnom' a pleasing appearance that deserves use as a focal point.
Picea omorika 'Kamenz'	Spreading	4	Dwarf	Bluish Green	A beautiful, spreading Serbian Spruce, 'Kamenz' has a distinctive two-tone look. Short branches covered with typical Picea omorika needles, green on top and silver beneath, show off both colors at once. With shorter needles and a wider spread than Picea omorika 'Pimoko', the adaptable cultivar complements the form of a bank or slope nicely. Slow-growing and easy, with minimal maintenance.
Picea omorika 'Karel'	Globe Shaped	4	Dwarf	Green	Surprise! It's an omorika, but it doesn't look like one, more like a softer foliaged Picea abies 'Pumila'. The dwarf, rounded Serbian Spruce produces very short, forest green needles, many dense shoots and a uniform globe-like shape. The handsome, small, slow-growing plant is also very adaptable, although it prefers moist, well-drained soil and protection from drying winds. Use multiples to edge the drive or cover the foundation, or site one as a feature in a container or rock garden.
Picea omorika 'Minima'	Globe Shaped	4	Dwarf	Bluish Green	Upright, short, tidy branches with distinctive, silver and green needles create a dramatic, contrasting backdrop for loads of cinnamon-colored buds. Use this wonderful, tight, round bun in the rock or entry garden or in a trough or container.
Picea omorika 'Nana'	Upright Broad	4	Dwarf	Bluish Green	A beautiful, compact form of the Serbian Spruce, this selection has dark green needles with white stomatal bands on the undersides, which give the plant a distinctive silvery aura. Its form is dense and globose when young, but it develops into a dramatic broad pyramid with age.
Picea omorika 'Pendula'	Weeping	4	Large	Bluish Green	This magnificent, formal tree adds height and drama to any garden. Its youthful, open form matures into a neat, narrow spire with gracefully pendant branches and strictly weeping branchlets. It shares the lovely two-tone appearance with the species, and it tolerates heat and humidity better than most. This tree's beauty and weeping character increase with time and maturity.
Picea omorika 'Pendula Bruns'	Weeping	4	Intermediate	Bluish Green	This tall, spire-like focal point has the narrowest silhouette of all the large, upright Serbian Spruce cultivars. Its strictly weeping branches boast two-tone needles that are deep, greenish blue on top and silvery beneath. For the most part, though, the silvery sides remain hidden, so 'Pendula Bruns' has a darker appearance than Picea omorika 'Pendula'. A selection from Bruns Nursery in Germany.
Picea omorika 'Pendula Snezna'	Weeping	4	Large	Green	A fine texture and strictly weeping branches set this lighter green Serbian Spruce apart from other weeping varieties. Use the narrow, elegant sentinel-like tree as a striking focal point or as part of a large, mixed hedge. Limited Availability
Picea omorika 'Pimoko'	Upright Broad	4	Dwarf	Bluish Green	Color and texture set 'Pimoko' apart from other dwarf Serbian Spruce selections. The showy, dark green needles, accented with a bluish cast and silvery undersides, seem to sparkle. Reddish brown buds add to the effect too. Globe-shaped when young, this superb rock garden plant develops multiple leaders and an upright, broad shape with maturity.
Picea omorika 'Silberblue'	Upright Broad	4	Large	Bluish Green	Bright and bushy, this omorika has classic two-tone needles that display a bright silver-blue against a green interior. A wide spreading base supports a sweeping upright peak. Very attractive when planted in deep, rich, well-drained soil in full sun.
Picea omorika 'Zuckerhut'	Upright Broad	4	Intermediate	Green	The name of this Serbian Spruce from Germany translates to "sugarloaf" and suggests an extremely dense, cone shape. The superb, formal habit is so regular and uniform that, even without pruning, it looks molded. Unlike bicolor omorika selections, this medium-size pyramid has muted green needles. The fine habit, stiff needles and many upright shoots make it a beautiful landscape-worthy tree in time. Limited Availability
Picea orientalis 'Aureospicata'	Upright Broad	4	Large	Green/Yellow	An explosion of brilliant, yellow spring growth provides a fantastic contrast against the mature, short, dark green needles of this spruce until mid-summer. The tall, stately tree grows slowly into a narrowly pyramidal form with a full skirt of lower branches that arch gracefully out and down. Use this dramatic spruce as a specimen or as a focal point in urban or suburban landscapes where it will have space to develop. The northwest based plant awards program Great Plant Picks, selected 'Aureospicata' in 2006.
Picea orientalis 'Early Gold'	Upright Broad	4	Large	Green/Yellow	A stately Oriental Spruce similar to 'Aureospicata,' this selection pushes a yellow flush of new growth two weeks earlier and its short needles remain a greenish yellow rather than turning dark green. Rarely found in cultivation.
Picea orientalis 'Gowdy'	Upright Broad	4	Large	Green	Very short, glossy, dark-green needles, held close to the stems of this narrow selection, give the well-defined, recurved, sweeping branches a distinctive appearance. The soft-to-the-touch spruce develops into a stately accent that stands out among other greens in the landscape.
Picea orientalis 'Mount Vernon'	Globe Shaped	5	Miniature	Green	This soft-needled spruce has a crisp look and prominently displays myriad buds amid short, dark green needles. The well-behaved, bun-like plant is ideal for limited spaces, including troughs, rock gardens, and smaller landscapes. Limited Availability
Picea orientalis 'Shadow's Broom'	Upright Broad	4	Dwarf	Green	Discovered as a witch's broom by Don Shadow and given to Jean Iseli in 1984, this beautiful selection produces bright, spring-green new growth that quickly matures to one of the darkest, richest greens in the conifer world. Short, closely held, shiny, green needles cover the tree's ascending, rigid branches. When young, 'Shadow's Broom' frequently displays a funnel-like center. As it matures, a leader develops and it slowly becomes a broad, mounding specimen.
Picea orientalis 'Skylands'	Upright Broad	4	Large	Yellow	Bold, but not gaudy, this full, upright spruce is an excellent choice for adding bright, year-round color to a large garden. Its fine, spiky needles emerge electric yellow in spring and gradually soften to a rich gold that stands out against the dark green, interior foliage. Trees develop slowly in the early years, but achieve a habit typical of the species in time. Best color in full sun, although protection may be warranted in scorching summer climates.
Picea orientalis 'Tom Thumb'	Globe Shaped	4	Miniature	Yellow	Striking golden fingers of tight foliage point out from the center of this attractive layered globe. The combination of brightly colored needles, extremely slow growth, and compact nest shape make 'Tom Thumb' desirable for small garden spaces, tucked beneath taller trees or in trough or rock gardens. For best color, site in plenty of sun, but protect from super hot conditions. Chosen by the American Conifer Society as 2007 Collector's Conifer of the Year, this compact sport from 'Skylands' prefers ample moisture and rich, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.
Picea polita	Upright Broad	5	Large	Green	Commonly known as Tiger Tail Spruce, this native of the volcanic soils of mainland Japan is rarely found in the trade. Sharp green needles are arranged evenly on the pumpkin colored newer branches. The common name comes from the tail-like appearance of the pendulous branchlets on old trees in their native habitat. Limited Availability
Picea pungens 'Compacta'	Upright Broad	2	Intermediate	Blue	For a brighter blue and faster growth, this dense, compact selection of dwarf Colorado Blue Spruce beats the competition. An attractive, broad, blue bush, it boasts low, horizontal branches and longer, sharp-tipped, curved needles held at a wider angle.
Picea pungens 'Fat Albert'	Upright Broad	2	Large	Blue	So easy and shapely, this outstanding, blue-needled tree produces a strong, naturally-straight leader and a full, pyramidal form as both a young plant and a mature tree. Part of the Jean Iseli Signature series, it was personally selected by Jean from thousands of seedlings and whimsically named by Don Howse, a longtime friend of the nursery and self-proclaimed "plant addict." A perfect and predictable Colorado Blue Spruce, it requires no staking or training to achieve its outstanding, formal stature. The uniformity of this cultivar has allowed it to establish itself as a standard in the trade.
Picea pungens 'Gail's Skyline'	Upright Broad	2	Large	Blue	Exceptional color and classic pyramidal form account for the increasing popularity of this new Iseli introduction. Similar in form to the species, the full, pyramidal tree produces vivid, silvery-blue new growth that gives it the bright look that is expected of the best Colorado Blue Spruce selections.
Picea pungens 'Globe'	Globe Shaped	2	Dwarf	Green	This compact, green form of the dwarf Colorado Spruce grows very slowly and gradually matures in shape from globose when young to a mounded or broadly upright form after many years. Its muted green and attractive texture blend well in the garden with other shades of green and blue and other textures. A nice contrast for the rock garden.
Picea pungens 'Globosa'	Upright Broad	2	Dwarf	Blue	A very well-known dwarf Colorado Blue Spruce, it has an upright, broad form and silvery-blue needles that make it virtually indistinguishable from 'Montgomery'. The slow-growing, dwarf plant is globe-shaped when young, but will eventually form a leader as it matures and develop an upright, broad shape that is wider than tall. To maintain a globose or spreading habit, prune out upright or vigorous shoots.
Picea pungens 'Hillside'	Upright Broad	2	Dwarf	Bluish Green	A small garden bush that is wider than tall, this slow-growing, dwarf Colorado Blue Spruce boasts a refined texture and a softer color: muted blue-gray-green. For those who want the form of 'Montgomery' in a more subtle color palette. From Hillside Nursery, Lehighton, Pennsylvania.
Picea pungens 'Hoopsii'	Upright Broad	2	Large	Blue	This superb, stately tree is the most eye-catching of the Colorado Blue Spruce cultivars. Its long, thick, bright silver-blue needles have earned it the reputation as an exceptional specimen tree, with a full, pyramidal form. Iseli Nursery stakes all young plants to ensure a uniformly upright habit.
Picea pungens 'Iseli Fastigiate'	Upright Narrow	2	Large	Blue	A strongly fastigiate habit and excellent blue foliage make this narrow selection from Iseli Nursery the ideal blue accent or focal point where space is a consideration. Its posture suggests a fat, steel-blue cigar or a tall, lean sentinel in the landscape.
Picea pungens 'Iseli Foxtail'	Upright Broad	2	Large	Blue	Unusual needles on the shoots of this open, pyramidal tree suggest a fox's tail. The blue needles vary in length on each shoot, tapering from longer at the base to shorter at the tip. According to the late Dr. J.C. Raulston of North Carolina State University, this cultivar displays greater adaptability to the climate of the southeast than other Colorado Blue Spruce selections. Although lanky when young, it matures into a stylish, broad, upright tree.
Picea pungens 'Kosteri'	Upright Broad	2	Large	Blue	Freedom of expression allows this well-known Colorado Blue Spruce to develop an individual form that ranges from prostrate to upright and even sweeping. Since it is a somewhat impetuous and unpredictable tree when young, we encourage individual forms to define themselves in youth. As each unique form matures, a leader develops and an elegant blue tree emerges. Its fine attributes include cold hardiness, drought tolerance, and adaptability.
Picea pungens 'Lundeby's Dwarf'	Globe Shaped	2	Dwarf	Blue	Steel-blue needles and horizontally-layered branches make 'Lundeby's Dwarf' a neat and reliable landscape conifer that becomes wider than tall with age. A rare form of Colorado Blue Spruce, it stays compact and provides an attractive mounding form that stays in scale, even in small urban and suburban gardens. Discovered by Lundeby Nursery in North Dakota, it is useful as part of a foundation planting, as a focal point or in a rock garden or container.
Picea pungens 'Lutea AA'	Upright Broad	2	Intermediate	Yellow	An unusual sun-lover, this selection from the Arnold Arboretum, Boston, Massachusetts, puts on random patches of soft-yellow that stand out against the otherwise powder-blue needles. Trees display more yellow when they get more sun, as if the rays of the sun are reflected from the needles. Where shaded, the foliage darkens to blue-green on this true conversation piece for the conifer collector. Limited Availability
Picea pungens 'Mackiness-short needle'	Upright Broad	2	Large	Blue	Very short needles earned this selection its name and fame. The tiny, narrow needles are bright blue and they are closely arranged with an angle that is acute to the stem. Slower growing than the species when young, the tree, selected by Roger Mackiness, Corbett, Oregon, matures into a large, formal stature.
Picea pungens 'Mesa Verde'	Spreading	2	Intermediate	Green	This tough, spreading Colorado Spruce stays low and blankets the ground with beautiful, healthy, green foliage that displays remarkable tolerance to adverse conditions. The uniform, ground-hugging plant performs best in full sun. Use it to shield an exposed bank or other site that takes the brunt of harsh weather. The name, which translates to "green table", suggests color and form and hints at the plant's indomitable character. Limited Availability
Picea pungens 'Montgomery'	Upright Broad	2	Dwarf	Blue	This outstanding and industry standard silver-blue spruce was originally part of the conifers accumulated by dedicated collector, Col. R.H. Montgomery. Prior to selling his Greenwich, Connecticut, estate, he donated his entire collection to the New York Botanical Garden, and this Picea pungens was named to honor him during the dedication of the Montgomery Conifer Collection in May, 1949. The original plant can still be seen there today. The slow-growing, dwarf spruce is globe-shaped when young, but it will eventually form a leader as it matures and develop an upright, broad shape that is wider than tall.
Picea pungens 'Mrs. Cesarini'	Globe Shaped	2	Dwarf	Green	A bright-green, flattened mound with dense branching and profuse budding, this dwarf selection offers a unique texture and color contrast that results from shiny needles and a clustered, light-green bud break on the ends of branches. From Joe Cesarini, Long Island, New York.
Picea pungens 'Pendula'	Weeping	2	Large	Blue	Blue needles and dense, weeping branches create a beautiful, cascading effect that is reminiscent of a waterfall. Whether staked upright and allowed to drape or simply permitted to ramble along the ground, 'Pendula' makes a graceful, dramatic statement in the garden.
Picea pungens 'Procumbens'	Prostrate	2	Intermediate	Blue	Similar in color to 'Pendula', this spreading, undulating groundcover produces a striking effect when planted to drape over a rock wall or slope. The attractive blue form makes an excellent alternative to groundcovering junipers.
Picea pungens 'Sester Dwarf'	Upright Broad	2	Dwarf	Blue	Stunning blue needles, slow growth rate, and classic conical form make this dwarf spruce an ideal plant for the modern landscape. Only about one-fourth the growth of its large parent, it is the perfect small form of Colorado Blue Spruce, and it requires little maintenance or pruning to keep its tidy shape. Found as a seedling selection by Sester Farms, Gresham, Oregon. Best in full sun.
Picea pungens 'Shilo-Weeping'	Weeping	2	Large	Blue	This blue, weeping selection has a strong, upright leader and pendulous side branches that drape down and form a dense, irregular curtain of foliage. The plant stays fairly narrow as it continues to develop its weeping character, beauty and height as it ages.
Picea pungens 'St. Mary's Broom'	Globe Shaped	2	Dwarf	Blue	A dwarf, blue, bun-shaped selection, this slow-growing plant has relatively long, widely-angled needles. It reliably maintains a mounding or globose habit, without any tendency to develop a leader.
Picea pungens 'Waldbrunn'	Spreading	2	Dwarf	Green	A slow-growing dwarf, this flat, spreading Colorado Spruce boasts a remarkable color that defies description -blue/gray/green---you decide. Its form is nest-like, with short, horizontal branches of thick, tough needles that overlap and provide reinforcement for the structure. Hardy enough for extremely cold climates, it is an ideal choice for a low, colorful sphere of color in garden bed or large container.
Picea pungens x glauca 'Ali'	Upright Broad	2	Large	Green	The product of forestry research by Don Fowler in New Brunswick, Canada, this selection is intermediate in characteristics between pungens and glauca, with short, dark green needles, a uniform pyramidal shape and moderate growth rate. The natural Christmas-tree shape and sturdy constitution make it a desirable addition to landscapes where hardiness and adaptability are required. Named by Mr. Fowler for his granddaughter. Limited Availability
Picea purpurea	Upright Broad	4	Intermediate	Bluish Green	The needles of this lovely garden tree are short and dark-green with pale-gray undersides. They are pressed closely to the light-tan stems, especially on terminal shoots. The mid-size, formal, pyramidal spruce makes a dramatic addition to the garden, and its beauty is augmented with striking purple-violet young cones. Formerly Picea likiangensis var. purpurea.
Picea purpurea var. balfouriana	Upright Broad	4	Large	Bluish Green	Geographic variety accounts for the unique characteristics of this beautiful Chinese Spruce (formerly listed as Picea likiangensis). It has longer dark-green needles with gray undersides, light, hairy stems and a faster growth rate than Picea purpurea. Limited Availability
Picea sitchensis 'Aurea'	Upright Broad	5	Large	Yellow	The original, fabled "Golden Spruce" of the Queen Charlotte Islands had foliage such an unusual color that it stood out as a beacon in a mostly green forest. The iconic tree, revered by the native Haida Indians for generations, was felled by a vandal in 1997. Luckily, scion wood had been taken in 1977, so trees were propagated and one of the resulting offspring replaced the one lost to the tribe. From original scion wood shared with Jean Iseli, this classic, but slower-growing Sitka spruce will shine in a large, park-like setting.
Picea sitchensis 'Papoose'	Upright Broad	5	Dwarf	Bluish Green	'Papoose' has sharp, two-tone, blue-green needles. Late in spring, clusters of buds open at the branch tips and form blossom-like bursts of foliage. The slow-growing tree displays a dense, globose habit when young, but produces a leader with age and becomes a tight, upright, broad shape. Found by Gordon Bentham, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, it is considered deer resistant.
Picea sitchensis 'Silberzwerg'	Upright Broad	5	Dwarf	Bluish Green	The name of this compact Sitka Spruce, which means "silver dwarf", says it all. It refers to the plant's outstanding needle color and its reliable, slow-growing habit. The plant's very dense, very blue needles display a unique reversal from the norm: the two-tone, blue-green effect results from silvery-blue on the tops of needles with dark green on the reverses. Similar in size and shape to 'Papoose', the striking foliage of this selection boasts a better blue. Resists browsing deer.
Picea sitchensis 'Tannhoft'	Upright Broad	5	Dwarf	Bluish Green	A compact, slower-growing witch's broom, this Sitka selection boasts closely spaced, randomly arranged shoots with two-tone needles. They are stiff and narrow with sparkling silvery undersides and green tops, packing a punch of color and texture in the garden. Plant the striking shrub in full sun. It has a spreading, nest shape in youth, but will develop an upright broad habit with age.
Picea x mariorika 'Machala'	Spreading	3	Dwarf	Bluish Green	This hybrid, nest-type spruce combines the shorter, softer needles of Picea mariana and the two-color needles of Picea omorika. Attractive and super hardy, the distinctive selection produces slim, straight shoots on horizontal branches, so it stays low, slowly building height and width with age. Use the adaptable, hardy conifer for year-round, spreading structure in garden beds.