Shrub Picea abies 'Clanbrassiliana' [Dwarf Norway Spruce] 'Clanbrassiliana' is a compact, flat-topped, mounded dwarf form. Slight mite susceptibility in hot, dry sites. Some susceptibility to borers.
Shrub Picea abies 'Nidiformis' [Bird's Nest Spruce] 'Nidiformis' is a commonly available dwarf cultivar that is flat, compact, and dense. Many times there is a depression or "nest" in the center of the plant. Slight mite susceptibility in hot, dry sites. Some susceptibility to borers.
Shrub Picea abies 'Pumila' [Dwarf Norway Spruce] 'Pumila' is a dwarf cultivar with a dense, flattend, globular form. The upper branches reach upward, while the lower branches spread outward. Slight mite susceptibility in hot, dry sites. Some susceptibility to borers.
Tree Picea pungens f. glauca 'Globosa' [Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce] 'Glauca Globosa' is a compact (3' high), rounded, flat-topped shrub that at maturity is wider than high; the needles are bluish white and more or less radially disposed.
Shrub Pinus mugo [Mugo Pine] Seed-propagated plants vary widely in degree of dwarfness, and this is not always apparent in young plants. Pruning annually can help maintain dwarf habit (don't pinch or cut past candles). Can be disfigured by scale insects.
Shrub Pinus mugo 'Aurea' [Golden Dwarf Mugo Pine] 'Aurea' is a semi-dwarf cultivar with bright green needles that turn a bright golden-yellow in the winter. Best coloration in full sun. Pruning annually can help maintain dwarf habit (don't pinch or cut past candles). Can be disfigured by scale insects.
Shrub Pinus mugo var. pumilio [Dwarf Mountain Pine] The Pinus mugo var. pumilio dwarf shrub is found in the wild in the mountains of eastern and central Europe. The shrub can spread up to 10' wide but typically stays short in height, 3'-5' at maturity.
Shrub Pinus nigra 'Hornibrookiana' [Dwarf Austrian Pine] 'Hornbrookiana' is a compact and mounded dwarf cultivar. Tolerates city conditions. Tolerates clay, dry, and alkaline soils, and heat. May be badly damaged by sapsuckers. Sphaeropsis tip blight is a more serious problem. Pine foliar nematode (transmitted by a beetle) can also be problematic.
Shrub Prunus tomentosa [Nanking Cherry] Among earliest of Prunus to flower. Subject to the troubles of other cherries (fireblight, etc.), but less so than some. Leaf spot in wet seasons. Often short-lived.