Very nice selections. I probably don't need to tell you the 'Skylands' will need some protection.

You know this can lead to an addictive hobby. Looks like your well on your way.

Dave

Congratulations! Those are some good looking plants. Be sure to post pictures when they're in the ground.
CH

Dave,
Will my 4 ft tall 'Skylands' in zone 5a also need protection against too much sun? Last year it stood all year in the nursery in full sun without problem. I my front yard there is shade in late afternoon.
Thanks!
Bernd

Great stock!!!

berndnyz, you need to acclimate Skylands with shade cloth for I'd say two to three years and then you can remove the cloth. It's just a fact.

Dax

Another thumbs up for both your new endeavors into conifers and shading 'Skylands' for the first 2-4 years. Once your plant becomes established it will be able to handle more sun.

Thanks everyone!

Okay. I can certainly set up a shade cloth, but if I were to keep it in progressively larger pots where I can move it from sun to dappled shade would that work until it is capable of handling the sun? Also, what is the risk? I've seen several people mention they have lost Skylands because they didn;t shade it, is that because it burns? I can put it in a spot that is full sun until late morning, east side of the house near the SE corner, large Pin Oak near by to offer dappled shade from late morning on. Would that suffice or will it need shade cloth on top of that?

I would really like to succeed with this little guy, I am quite smitten!

Thanks in advance!

Alexa

Hi Dax and Will,
Thanks for reminding about shading 'Skylands'!

Alexa,
sorry to hijack your thread, but I am in a similar situation right now! Great plants you got! You are also lucky to be able to visit this large conifer collection! I am just planting my new ones too. I agree with a small plant like yours shading is needed, I certainly would do it. Your summers are also hotter than my zone 5a.

BUT, then my plant is 4 ft tall, and I saw it sit last Spring to Fall in the sunny sales area of the nursery without shade cloth, did not burn and is healthy, AND I read that only very young plants need to be shaded. So I should ask my nursery for specific advice, they know their conifers I noticed.
Bernd

Bernd and Alexa

Once planted (no matter how long you decide to keep a Skyland's in a pot) you still need to go through the rigoramorol of using a shade cloth... 2-4 years, a better
estimation given than of mine. While that plant works at establishing its roots, it will need the protection of shade cloth.

Bern, I bought a Skyland's that was 2.5 feet tall in about a 10 gallon pot many years ago that showed no sign of stress in an Illinois summer sun climate... After having allowed it to stay in the pot for another year, in full sun, it lost more than 1/2 of it's needles... I nursed that plant back to health, planting it in full-shade for five, years... I got it to come all the way back.

So, it's less worth the risk of not shading it.

Alexa, in my opinion you have the perfect spot to plant your Skyland's. It will need to be covered though for the first few years. Then, you have found the most perfect of locations for a Skyland's, to succeed.

Dax

Because I always make this mistake, there's no apostrophe in Skylands...

Dax

Does anyone else think that the P. o. 'Pendula Bruns' might be mislabeled? The side branches on that plant are curling upright, very upright, and that makes me think that the plant might be mislabeled. The side branches on 'Pendula Bruns' should hang straight down.

Or am I out of my mind?
Mike

Skyland and Walnut Glen both look like ones I'll have to consider. Very nice.

You could be right Mike - That's a good observation - I sure hope not though.

Dax