I'm looking for input on what dwarf conifer would look good as a replacement for my now very dead Coleonema pulchrum (nice, while they lasted). These nestled alongside a Nandina "Gulf Stream" that isn't looking too attractive right now, either. Set behind these, in the middle of the bed, is a Viburnum plicatum "Mariesii" taking forever to size up. I don't want to choose something that will dwarf it, at this point and/or not look good with the existing mix. There's a Physocarpus "Summer Wine" not far away, I should mention. Here are the contenders - I'd love feedback on the choices, and any other suggestions: * Picea stichensis "Papoose" (I haven't seen this in person) * Pinus strobus "Sea Urchin" (also not yet seen) * Pinus mugo "Sherwood Compact" * Hinoki Cypress Flabelliformis) * Pinus mugo "Pot O Gold" Help this conifer novice make a choice. I learned my lesson about garden barrenness in the absence of some sturdy evergreens this year! (this is cross-posted in conifers; it belatedly occurred to me that this is a design question..) Many thanks! Boondoggle
The only one of these conifers that I haven't grown or seen established in a garden is the Hinoki. the others are all reasonably slow growing to be a good evergreen foreground to midground element. You don't say if the spot is full sun; the Hinoki could take some shade, and the Papoose spruce a very little shade; the pines will want full sun.
Hello Silver Creek, Thanks for the thoughts on sun. The bed has both southern and western exposure, as we live on a corner, but a Styrax Japonicus immediately south of the bed blocks or filters light depending on whether it's leafed out, and the time of day. We also live in a strange microclimate within Vancouver - close to the point of highest elevation, and are about a month behind everyone else in bloom time. My Joe Pye Weed didn't bloom til September last year, for example, and it faces full southwest. Any thoughts about which conifer would look good with the existing foliage selection? The golden colour of the previous occupants set off the Viburnum really well. The problem with the Pinus mugo Pot O Gold is it is only golden when the Viburnum has no leaves! Would that one could purchase plants and return them. I'm one of those people who has to "see" the combination in order to to make a decision... Boondoggle
