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.
Shrub/Tree Picea glauca var. conica [Dwarf Alberta Spruce] This commonly available dwarf variety has a very dense, conical habit. Best in full sun, but tolerates some shade. Withstands heat, cold, drought, wind, and crowding. Slight susceptibility to trunk and root rots, bagworms, sawflies, and mites. Except for its use in the far North, other evergreens have better overall aesthetics for Midwestern and Eastern states.
Shrub/Tree Picea pungens f. glauca 'Montgomery' [Montgomery Colorado Blue Spruce] 'Montgomery' is a dwarf cultivar that forms a dense, silvery-blue, broad cone to mound. Some drought tolerance. Cost of most glaucous forms is high because they are produced by grafting and then intensively pruned to shape in nursery rows. Must be used with restraint because the strong blue color does not combine well with other plantings in the landscape. Some susceptibility to Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid (Adelges cooleyi).
Shrub/Tree Pinus densiflora 'Umbraculifera' [Dwarf Japanese Red Pine] This species is outstanding for its landscape interest, making a uniquely picturesque specimen. 'Umbraculifera' is an interesting dwarf cultivar, with a spreading, umbrella-like head and can be grown as a shrub or small tree. The flaky, orange-red bark of this plant is quite attractive.
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 'Valley Cushion' [Dwarf Mugo Pine] 'Valley Cushion' is a very slow-growing (approximately 1.5" a year) dwarf cultivar that is excellent for rock gardens and bonsai. Can be disfigured by scale insects.
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.
