Spring is just around the corner, and as the soil begins to thaw and warm, many gardeners start considering new additions for their gardens. Here, host John Cretti explains why dwarf conifers--with their slow growth rate and wide range of shapes and textures--make great accents for an existing garden or landscape. He also shows several different varieties of these small-scale favorites (including pine, spruce and juniper) and shows how and where to plant them.
Materials
- wooden container
- broom stick
- sphagnum peat moss
Plants
- dwarf Alberta spruce
- dwarf juniper
- dwarf pine
- dwarf Colorado blue spruce
Tips for Planting Dwarf Conifers in Containers
- Make sure the selected container has holes in the bottom or along the sides to ensure adequate drainage.
- When transferring the plant to its new container, gently tease out the roots if necessary.
- After placing the tree or shrub in the container, use high-quality potting soil to fill the container within an inch of the rim.
- Water regularly, especially during the winter months.
Tips for Planting Dwarf Conifers Outdoors
- Plant the conifer at the same depth it was previously growing in its container. After digging a hole about two to three times wider than the container, remove the plant from the container and cut away any twine still clinging to the roots or trunk. Set the dug-out soil aside.
- Place the plant in the hole. Then, lay a broomstick or board across the top of the hole and check to see that the top of the root ball reaches ground level or slightly above.
- Amend the dug-out soil with sphagnum peat moss (one-third sphagnum peat to two-thirds soil). Mix the peat thoroughly into the soil, then fill in the hole.
- Build up the soil around the root ball to create a dike that will help hold in water. Surround the base with mulch, if desired.
Note: Wooden containers and dwarf trees are available in nurseries and garden centers.
