Could you help me pick a little yellow.

16 years ago

Greetings!

I'm in the process of creating a mixed bed with some conifers, shrubs, and perennials. I'm enjoying putting a little of this, a little of that in there and have really enjoyed all of the new information I have learned about conifers in the process. I've also loved reading the threads in this forum.

So far here are my conifer plant choices:

Microbiota decussata

Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific'

Cryptomeria japonica ÂBlack DragonÂ

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'curly tops'

A few of the non-conifers are:

Japanese Holly 'Drops of Gold'

Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy'

Purpleleaf Sandcherrry

Spirea nipponica 'Snowmound'

Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Scarlet Leader'

Carex Buchanni 'Leatherleaf Sedge'

Sedum 'Purple Emporer'

There is also a preexisting Crabapple in the bed.

So I've decided I need some yellow, and I'd like to do it with a conifer to play off the Japanese Holly. The trouble is I'm rejecting everything I can find. First of off it needs to be fairly small, since I've already filled all of the big spaces. I already have two Chamaecyparis Obtusas in another part of the yard, so I wanted something different. I have seen small yellow thujas but I haven't really liked the look of them. I know there are yellow creeping junipers, but the yellow didn't seem very striking. I'd love to hear any yellow suggestions, or any suggestions at all about composing a garden like I am describing. Thank you in advance!

Lisa

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Comments (10)

crypper
16 years ago
Hi Lisa,

if it's a shady spot (relatively) you could try Picea orientalis 'Tom Thumb.' This was the dwarf conifer of the year for 2006.

or in a sunnier spot, I like Picea omorika 'Peve Tijn,' a wonderful little ball of aqua blue and gold.
lschibley
Original Author
16 years ago
Oops, I meant to describe the site! It's full sun, moderately protected from winter winds, sandy slightly acid soil. We are about a mile from the ocean, so our extremes are a little less extreme than they might be.

How much shade does Tom Thumb need. That is one cool plant. I couldn't find a picture of Peve Tijn anywhere. Any ideas where to look?
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greenlarry
16 years ago
There's a form of yew that has golden yellow foliage,and it has a fastigiate growth pattern,like an Italian Cypress,so it doesn't take up too much space. I believe its called fastigiata aureomarginata. Also i just seen a pic of Thuja orientalis 'Conspicua' that looks the part!
lschibley
Original Author
16 years ago
Well after doing some research I came up with some that might do the trick. Does anyone have any thoughts on going with any of these picks. Again the spot is full sun, good drainiage. A mile from the ocean in southern Mass (not the Cape). Zone 6b/7aish.

Abies nordmanniana 'Golden Spreader'
Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera 'Golden Mops'
Juniperus horizontalis 'Mother Lode'
Pinus mugo 'Pot o' Gold'
Thuja occidentalis 'Golden Tuffet'
Tsuga canadensis 'Aurea Compacta'

I know it's a big list. But if anyone had feedback on any of these guys, I'd love to hear it!

Lisa
karinl
16 years ago
I know there's been some discussion of Mother Lode on the forum - try searching. I have a little Golden Tuffet and recently saw one that is quite a bit bigger (ulp) but still a nice colour. It's kind of poofy, has a nice pillow shape from a distance but no structural appeal beyond that and foliage up close is kind of ho hum.

Here is some info on gold conifers at the link below.

KarinL

Here is a link that might be useful: Coenosium gold info
greenlarry
16 years ago
Some nice golds in that link,particularly the big ones,pinus and picea
zjones
16 years ago
Only two obtusas and you want something different? Oh the shame.....
You might want to consider some of the C. Pisifera cultivars as well - some good yellows on tough plants. I particularly like "Vintage Gold" - very tough, holds color here in full sun without burning, takes pruning well and stays colorful all winter - more yellow than gold, too which suits my taste. I have to weigh in here for J. Mother Lode, too - one of my favorite plants. Be aware that this is a groundcover juniper so a great companion to any conifers - not more than 2 inches tall but spreads to 3 feet or more.

Here it is with pinus strobus "Blue Shag"

I used a flash on this photo to capture that sulphur yellow - very distinctive! It goes bronzy purple in the winter which only adds to its appeal....
greenlarry
16 years ago
Thats a C.pisifera? It looks like a prostrate Juniper,I never knew Chamaes also took that form,cool!
zjones
16 years ago
I'm sorry if my post above doesn't read well, greenlarry-
The photo is Juniperus horizontalis Mother Lode....
lschibley
Original Author
16 years ago
zjones. Thank you so much for that picture! That is almost exactly the combo I had in mind, even down to the pinus cultivar and the purple sedum in the background. It's a lovely composition. I still have a spot in my garden for one more dwarf yellow, but I'm almost certain now that one yellow will be that Mother Lode. I know my local nursery carries it.

Lisa

Could you help me pick a little yellow.

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crypper

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Could you help me pick a little yellow.

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crypper

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lschibley
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