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 Pieris japonica [Japanese Pieris] Excellent large shrub specimen with handsome, lustrous, evergreen foliage, prominently red new growth in the spring, and small, interesting, urn-shaped flowers. Leaf spots, Phytophthora induced die back, and lace bug are most problematic. Struggles in alkaline and heavy, wet soils.
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 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 Pinus sylvestris 'Hillside Creeper' [Creeping Scotch Pine] 'Hillside Creeper' is a low-growing, spreading evergreen that can be used as a groundcover. Tolerant of fairly dry soils, but not a good specimen in shade or on wet soils.
Shrub Prunus glandulosa 'Rosea Plena' [Rosea Plena Dwarf Flowering Almond] 'Rosea Plena' is a small, near fruitless, multi-stemmed shrub with beautiful pink and white double flowers. It has an irregular, spreading form that can eventually become too open. Annual and immediate pruning following flowering and constant removal of root suckers will help maintain a better form and encourage increased blooming. Requires well-drained soil. Susceptible to numerous pests and diseases, which can cause it to be short-lived (under 10 years).
Shrub Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' [Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel] 'Otto Luyken' is a broad, compact evergreen shrub that produces numerous small, fragrant, white flowers in upright clusters in mid to late spring. This plant is shade tolerant, pH adaptable, and salt spray tolerant, but requires good drainage. Do not over fertilize.