Two of my favorites
are Chamaecyparis nootkatensis
‘Pendula’ (Weeping Alaska-cedar) and Abies
concolor (Concolor or White Fir).
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ is an evergreen that
grows 20 to 35 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide. The Weeping Alaska-cedar is a standout
in any garden, large or small and a perfect specimen tree for an East Coast
garden. Your garden visitors will
certainly be asking you “What is that tree?”
I remember seeing it for the first time in a container outside the
conservatory at Longwood Gardens. I had
plant envy for sure. This Chamaecyparis
grows best in average, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. As a native tree to the Pacific Northwest, it’s
even fond of moisture and humidity! The
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society recognized Weeping Alaska-cedar as one of
its Gold Medal Plants for 2015, confirming its exceptional merit.
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| Weeping Alaska Cedar |
Abies concolor, is native to the mountains of western North America. It is a medium to large evergreen tree growing to over 50 feet tall. As an ornamental landscaping tree, it features soft blue-gray needles. Some claim the upright needles smell like oranges when crushed, which makes it not only a nice specimen tree, but also a desirable Christmas tree. If you have the space, a Concolor fir will make a strong statement in your landscape.
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| Concolor Fir |
While Weeping Alaska-cedar and Concolor fir are among my favorite blue characters for winter; let me know yours by posting a comment. And remember, the next time you are driving home from work in the dark or bundling up to protect yourself from pelting ice or snow, don’t despair – the cure for the winter blues is just a garden away!