Dwarf Evergreens

Trees are usually bought for their potentially larger sizes. They create welcoming shade and can screen out ugly views. But, some trees are bought for their small stature.
Dwarf evergreens are not pruned or nutritionally stunted plants, nor are they glorified shrubs or bushes. They are, in fact, full grown mature trees that have been found or bred to grow to a certain size. They have the same leaf characteristics and branch configurations as their larger cousins. They just don’t have the height or width.

Where would you want to plant a dwarf deciduous or evergreen tree as opposed to a standard growing plant? The answer is simply in places where you don’t want a big plant to trim and maintain, but still want the same color or characteristics, shape and effect as a larger growing plant.

Dwarf evergreens work well in planter boxes, rock gardens, garden railroads, and under low windows where their root depth and branch height do not take up much space. However, any collection or grouping of plants can gain additional interest with the addition of a dwarf evergreen, as long as it is not overpowered by the other plants. Speaking of groupings, dwarf evergreens create even more interest when grouped together.

Traditional spruce trees can grow in excess of 40 feet. Most forms of dwarf spruce trees naturally grow to only 10 or more feet.

Dwarf spruce have the same needle leaf and shape as the bigger counterparts. Some dwarfs are also spreading-type spruces in which the branches grow more outward than upward. Some of the more popular dwarf spruce varieties include Gnome, Ed Hirle, Albert Globe, Alberta and Pixie.

Most traditional pine trees also grow in excess of 25 feet high, while some dwarf pines grow as little as 2 feet in 10 years, eventually reaching a maximum height of 10 feet. Dwarf pines also have similar needle length, color and shape as their larger cousins. Two of the more popular varieties, Scotch and Dwarf White, are named after and are similar to the larger Scotch and White pines.

Dwarf and weeping Hemlock are other evergreens, which are often overlooked because of the more popular pines and spruces. However, both the traditional and dwarf species can add beautiful, dark green color and texture to the landscape. Hemlocks also can tolerate more shade than the others.

The tradition hemlock can grow up to 50 feet or more, while some of the dwarf varieties grow as little as one inch per year. Some types eventually reach a mature size of three feet wide by two feet tall. Others are more irregular, weeping or spreading in nature, and some are more pyramidal or cone shaped.

Arborvitae, juniper and taxus or yet are three other traditional evergreens which also have dwarf varieties. Two popular dwarf arborvitae are the Hetz Midget and Tiny Tim. A popular dwarf juniper is the Dwarf Japanese Garden Type, and Dwarf English Yew is a common dwarf taxus.

Dwarf evergreens are smaller landscape additions, which mimic the same shape, color and texture of the larger evergreens. Consider them for areas which have limited space and/or need variety and interest. Most of these, like their larger counterparts, can be planted during the fall as well as spring.