Those Funky Conifers

Here is a review of what I regard as funkiest Conifers in the nursery.

Pinus Sylvestris ‘Skjack Flack’ would be amongst my favorite plants in the nursery right now. This plant has short dark green needles opposed to the species long needles. The branching is strictly horizontal and open revealing rugged wood similar to that of a bonsai plant. This plant would look great around a waterfall or as a specimen under a low picture window sill. Plant this around some boulders and fountain grass for four season interest. We have 5 or six available. Who knows if we will be able to get this ever again? Very Rare!

Picea pungens ‘Procumbens’ We commonly refer to this as the Creeping Blue Spruce around here. The plant has blue needles. However, the branching structure is very horizontal and will not grow vertically without being staked. This is another waterfall plant. ‘Procumbens’ is also great as an accent under other specimen plants around boulders and ornamental grasses.

Pinus banksiana ‘Schoodic’ Another rare plant with a funny name. This is a creeping variety of Jack Pine with very short green needles. This one grows extremely slow so it could be used in a tight area around rocks accompanying various forms of Sedum, Geums, and ‘Tomato Soup’ Coneflowers.

Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ This plant matches its name perfectly. Long dark green cordlike foliage grows up at an arch and comes back down to the ground in a fountain type habit. Looks great with rocks and boulders.

Pinus banksiana ‘Uncle Fogey’ It is hard to describe this plant. The foliage is made up of medium length dark green needles. Branching is contorted and extremely variable. Some plants are compact and extremely twisted and irregular. Other plants are upright with less contortion and more waves in the foliage. It would probably be best if you just came out and check them all out. With a name like ‘Uncle Fogey,’ how could you resist?