If you like the look of Japanese cedar,  Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’ but don’t have the space or need for a tree that grows 40 to 50’ tall and 10’ across there are a number of  selections  to consider that act more like shrubs and take up a lot less space.  These include  Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’ which forms a tidy globe  and grows 6 to 8’ tall by 4 to 8’ wide; and Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis ‘Black Dragon,’ with irregular pyramidal  growth it matures at 10 to 12’ tall but only 3 to 4’ wide.  A true dwarf form that needs light shade so the white tipped foliage won’t burn , Cryptomeria japonica ‘Knaptonensis’ grows 6’ tall by 7’ wide in 20 years. With dark green foliage  Cryptomeria japonica ‘Gyokruyu’ starts out as a mound but eventually forms a central leader and matures at about 8’ tall and 6’ wide.  I have seen it paired with the ornamental grass Nassella tenuissima and Chrysanthemum pacificum.

Another conifer that appeals to me for its flat sprays of elegant fan-like foliage is Chameacyparis obtusa, Hinoki cypress.  There are numerous cultivars for gardens that are “space challenged”  including ‘Nana Gracilis’ which has an irregular globose habit growing 3 to 5’ tall and 4’ wide  in ten years.  For sunshine year around  ‘Nana Lutea’ has lemon-gold foliage provided you plant it in full sun.  In part shade it turns more of a green gold.   C. obtusa ‘Meroke Twin’ has more of a narrow upright habit with new growth that starts out lemon yellow before fading to green.  A dwarf  selection that grows very slowly with  beautiful cupped fans of foliage is Chameacyparis obtusa ‘Kosteri.’  Hinoki cypress are well suited for growing in pots on their own or in the garden  with other conifers or Japanese maples like the  Coral bark maple, Acer palmatum ‘Sangu Kaku’ with brilliant red winter stems and yellow foliage in autumn.

Picea pungens ‘Compacta,’ dwarf  blue spruce, has a broad upright habit and grows 5 to 6’ tall in ten years.  Its striking blue-gray foliage provides welcome color in the winter landscape especially when it is combined  with other conifers with dark green foliage.

Conifers and in particular dwarf conifers should be included when you design your garden or add to it.  They provide effective evergreen anchors, accents or focal points.  For the best effect don’t isolate them, instead combine them with  ornamental grasses, broadleaf evergreens or spring blooming shrubs and bulbs  for a landscape that offers four seasons of beauty.

For more information about conifers the State Botanical Gardens in Athens is offering a Garden Design Seminar and Workshop: Gardener’s Guide to Conifers, Februray 15, 9am-3pm register at www.uga.edu/~botgarden/educationalevents.html