I am looking for a small (2'x2' or less), mounded conifer for a spot overlooking a dry pond in my pseudo-Japanese-style garden. See the attached photo - it will sit in the spot outlined in yellow. (I realize that the whole area is a bit shabby looking at the moment, but it is still under construction.) Some possibilities that I am considering are sciadopitys verticillata 'picola' and cryptomeria japonica 'koshyi' or 'tansu'. I have my doubts, however, about whether either one will survive in the central Ohio climate, which tends to have cold winters (down to about -5 F), soggy springs and dry summers. Also, my soil is mostly heavy clay. Can anyone give me an opinion about the suitability of these plants or make another suggestion? Thanks, Jim
A few quick suggestions; Picea abies nidiformis 'Little Gem', Tsuga canadensis 'Minuta' or T. can. 'Abbot's Pygmy'. One non conifer but terrifically well behaved evergreen possibility is Buxus microphylla 'Kingsville'. All of these grow verrry slowly although 'Little Gem' may outgrow the spot after about 20 years. Joe
Joe, Thanks for the suggestions. I picked up a 'little gem' spruce at a local garden center for just a few dollars. I haven't decided if I'm going to use it in that spot, but I'll certainly find a home for it. -Jim
Go with a dwarf Pine for that particular spot. A few ideas are as follows. These are not necessarily subject to easy availability, they may be tough to find in a nursery in your area. Pinus strobus 'Sea Urchin' Pinus sylvestris 'Saxatilis' Pinus mugo 'Wintergold' Pinus mugo 'Sherwood dwarf' I would go with a Pinus mugo 'Mops' and be done with it. Yes, the Pine in time may grow slightly wider than your allotted site but it will be several years before that may happen. The width is easily controlled. The height seldom is an issue with this Pine. Forget a Cryptomeria for that planting site. Tansu will balk at the cold and does not like heavy soils that retain a lot of moisture. Also, is subject to a debilitating rust fungus as well as a vector for spider mite damage. Is best grown in shade, not out in the open or you will see the needle rust fungus in time and when it hits a Tansu or a Tansu aurea you really don't get rid of it. Jim
Hi Jim, You've already gotten great suggestions. You might find them or something else to tickle your fancy at either one of these two sites. http://www.miniforest.com/ http://www.miniplantkingdom.com/ You can use this site to check references of mail order nurseries. http://davesgarden.com/gwd/ Newt
