Narrow Conifers for the Mountain West

For a stunning accent in a small space, turn to one of these slender evergreens

Sometimes you just require a tree diagram to stay green year - round . You may need concealment from a neighbor , or you may need a specimen with color and texture to stress your landscape painting . Narrow or columniform conifers may be the answer . Traditionally , most people use arborvitae ( Thujaspp . and cvs . , Zones 2–8 ) for this purpose . But not all arborvitaes are equally stout , as manifest by the immense identification number of them that died in the Mountain West over the freezing winter of 2019–2020 . rather , wrench to one of these stout options that should do well in our arena .

‘Skyrocket’ juniper

Juniperus scopulorum‘Skyrocket ’ , Zones 3–9

If you love the look of the Italian cypress ( Cupressus sempervirens , Zones 7–10 ) that develop in the Tuscan region of Italy , then this flora is for you . One of the narrow Genista raetam around , this downcast - greenish coniferous tree make for a unparalleled emphasis either planted individually or in proportionate group . It can make a great malarkey screen , as it mature speedily , is extremely winter hardy , and is also drouth tolerant . ‘ Skyrocket ’ takes full Dominicus and involve footling water . At maturity it will reach 20 foot marvellous and only 2 to 3 feet wide .

‘Arnold Sentinel’ Austrian pine

Pinus nigra‘Arnold Sentinel ’ , zone 4–8

I was introduced to this industrial plant over 10 years ago when we installed it in a minute bed at the botanical garden where I work . I could n’t understand how an Austrian pine would work in the space because the straight metal money is very tall and broad . After discover ‘ Arnold Sentinel ’ over the years , I am sold . It features upswept , dim branch of dark green needle on a works that reaches 20 human foot tall and 5 to 6 foot full at maturity . ‘ Arnold Sentinel ’ uprise uniformly , making it a great accent plant . It requires full sunlight and average to low irrigation . You wo n’t have to give it a lot of maintenance , and it will hold its form during snowy winters . drouth tolerant , it would make an interesting addition to a xeric landscape painting invention .

‘Iseli Fastigiate’ Colorado spruce

Picea pungens‘Iseli Fastigiate ’ , Zones 2–7

Our aboriginal Colorado spruce ( genus Picea pungens , Zones 2–7 ) are too large for many urban gardens ; ‘ Iseli Fastigiate ’ is a beneficial choice for these situations . Its deep blue color and warm , just shape make it a beautiful specimen . A grouping of it will make an attractive screen or hedge . This plant ask more water than the evergreens listed above but is more drought liberal than other spruces . In full Lord’s Day it will grow 15 animal foot tall and 4 base wide at adulthood .

— Michelle Provaznik is executive director of the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins , Colorado .

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