Landscaping

Evergreens

Evergreen trees and shrubs retain their needles or foliage year-round, making them an excellent addition to local yards for winter color. Textures and colors of evergreens vary, from silver-blue junipers to deep green spruce, with plenty of options to compliment existing landscaping.

In addition to four season color, evergreens are often chosen for their distinct scent, or to create a windbreak or living fence. When choosing your evergreen, be sure to consider the adult height and spread of the tree, as most are difficult to prune. Evergreens should be planted in early fall, to give the tree time to adjust before the first hard freeze of the season.

Featured evergreen:

Picea meyeri ‘Meyers Spruce’

The Meyer’s Spruce is a medium growing, dark-green spruce with short needles. It is virtually identical to the Colorado Blue Spruce, but is more resistant to pests and disease. Its shape, blue-green color and excellent needle retention make it ideal as an ornamental, and its growth rate (which is not fast but results in fairly dense growth) is well suited to create windbreaks and privacy screens.

Meyer’s Spruce are native to China, but they are commonly grown and planted throughout the United States. The tree is hardy to zone 3 and flourishes in the northern part of the United States. While Meyer’s Spruce needs full sun, it can grow in both light and heavier soils, with a wide range of soil acidity. They can reach a mature height of 40 feet, which is less than other popular spruces, making them ideal for locations where height is an issue. They are a good alternative to the traditional Colorado spruce for western South Dakota.

Meyers SpruceMeyers Spruce. Photo: exoticconifer.com

Inventory

Search Plants

Evergreens 2012
Common Name
Genus species 'Cultivar'		 Mature Plant Size Other

4.5" Fanciful Garden Evergreens
Assortment of 4.5" Evergreens.
Mops False Cypress
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Mops'
Gold, thread-like foliage. Full sun for best color. Moist soil. Protect from winter winds. Slow growing. 		H: 3-4 ft
W: 4 ft
Gold Coast Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Gold Coast'
Golden, lacy foliage, color deepens in winter. 		H: 3 ft
W: 4 ft 		Deer Resistant
Mint Julep Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Mint Julep'
Large juniper, perfect for privacy hedge or wind break. Full sun. 		H: 4-6 ft
W: 6-8 ft 		Deer Resistant
Mint Julep Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Mint Julep'
Topiary (Spiral)
Mint Julep Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Mint Julep'
Topiary (Pom Pom)
San Jose Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'San Jose'
Topiary (Poodle Ball)
Sea Green Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Sea Green'
Fountain-like arching branches. Graceful. 		H: 4-6 ft
W: 4-6 ft 		Deer Resistant
Bluberry Delight Juniper
Juniperus communis depressa
Dense low spreading juniper with dark green needles. Though and hardy. Don't over water. 		H: 1-2 ft
W: 4-5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Weeping Juniper
Juniperus communis oblonga 'Pendula'
Broad with nice weeping branches. 		H: 6-8 ft
W: 2-3 ft 		Deer Resistant
Blue Chip Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'
Prostrate juniper with outstanding blue color all season. 		H: 8-10 in
W: 3-5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Blue Prince Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Prince'
Known for its nice blue hue. Good for draping over walls. 		H: 6 in
W: 3-5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Gold Strike Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Gold Strike'
Low growing, dwarf juniper. Slow. Protect from scorching afternoon sun. 		H: 1 ft
W: 3-6 ft 		Deer Resistant
Golden Carpet Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Golden Carpet'
Bright yellow carpet. Vigorous, dense evergreen. 		H: 1 ft
W: 3-6 ft 		Deer Resistant
Hughes Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Huges'
Silvery blue juniper with a wide spread. 		H: 15 in
W: 6-8 ft 		Deer Resistant
Lime Glow Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Lime Glow'
Electric yellow foliage spreading into a striking vase shape. 		H: 1-2 ft
W: 4-8 ft 		Deer Resistant
Prince of Wales Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Prince of Wales'
Low growing, forming a dense mat. Medium bright green. 		H: 6 in
W: 3-5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Blue Rug Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Wilton Blue Rug
Dense mat of tight blue needles. Full sun to light shade. 		H: 4-6 in
W: 3-5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Japanese Garden Juniper
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana'
Creeping growth habit. Tight, compact needles. 		H: 4-6 in
W: 3-5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Arcadia Juniper
Juniperus sabina 'Arcadia'
Dark green, dense and resistant to juniper blight. 		H: 1 ft
W: 4-6 ft 		Deer Resistant
Blue Forest Juniper
Juniperus sabina 'Blue Forest'
Ascending branches that form a miniature 'Blue Forest' look. Full sun or light shade. 		H: 12 in
W: 3 ft 		Deer Resistant
Buffalo Juniper
Juniperus sabina 'Buffalo'
Soft feathery branches. low spreading form. Rich green color. Very hardy. 		H: 12-15 in
W: 3-5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Calgary Carpet Juniper
Juniperus sabina 'Calgary Carpet'
Short, wide, soft green juniper. Makes a nice ground cover. 		H: 6-9 in
W: 10 ft 		Deer Resistant
Scandia Juniper
Juniperus sabina 'Scandia'
Low growing, spreading evergreen. Tolerates dry conditions. 		H: 1 ft
W: 10 ft 		Deer Resistant
Tamarix Juniper
Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia
Densely branched green spreading juniper. 		H: 18 in
W: 5-6 ft 		Deer Resistant
Rocky Mountain Juniper
Juniperus scopularum
Rugged, pyramidal. Perfect for hot, dry sites. Excellent for wind break or privacy. 		H: 20-30 ft
W: 15-20 ft 		Deer Resistant
Cologreen Upright Juniper
Juniperus scopularum 'Cologreen'
Tight cone-like appearance requires very little pruning. 		H: 15-20 ft
W: 2-3 ft 		Deer Resistant
Medora Juniper
Juniperus scopularum 'Medora'
Columnar, pyramidal compact form with good blue green foliage. 		H: 10-12 ft
W: 2-3 ft 		Deer Resistant
Moonglow Juniper
Juniperus scopularum 'Moonglow'
A dense broad pyramidal selection. Intense silver-blue foliage. 		H: 10-20 ft
W: 10-15 ft 		Deer Resistant
Witchita Blue Juniper
Juniperus scopularum 'Witchita Blue'
Compact narrow upright habit is well suited to artistic pruning. 		H: 10-15 ft
W: 6-10 ft 		Deer Resistant
Woodward Juniper
Juniperus scopularum 'Woodward'
Very columnar, narrow and upright. Wind tolerant and drought hardy. 		H: 12-20 ft
W: 2-4 ft 		Deer Resistant
Blue Star Juniper
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
Hardy juniper that resembles a silver-blue star. Do not over water. 		H: 2-3 ft
W: 3-4 ft 		Deer Resistant
Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana
This South Dakota plains native is good as a wind break or hedge. Can tolerate a wide range of soils. 		H: 30-50 ft
W: 8-20 ft 		Deer Resistant
Blue Arrow Juniper
Juniperus virginiana 'Blue Arrow'
Cold hardy alternative. Improved variety produces bright, blue foliage on a tight, narrow, and upright form. 		H: 12-15 ft
W: 2-3 ft 		Deer Resistant
Skyrocket Juniper
Juniperus virginiana 'Skyrocket'
Probably the most narrow columnar juniper available. 		H: 15 ft
W: 2 ft 		Deer Resistant
Golden Joy Juniper
Juniperus x media 'Golden Joy'
Brilliant yellow needles. Slow growing. 		H: 12 in
W: 3 ft 		Deer Resistant
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
The largest and fastest growing of the spruces. 		H: 40-80 ft
W: 25-30 ft 		Deer Resistant
Dwarf Birds Nest Spruce
Picea abies 'Elegans'
Dwarf, dark green nest spruce. Forms a low dome. Keep moist. 		H: 3-5 ft
W: 3-5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Fat Cat Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Fat Cat'
Extremely slow growing. Does best with moist, humus rich soil, out of winter wind. 		H: 5 ft
W: 5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Norway Spruce Hybrid
Picea abies 'Hildburghausen'
Very small dwarf. Uniform shape. Protect from winter wind. 		H: 1-2 ft
W: 1-2 ft 		Deer Resistant
Little Gem Spruce
Picea abies 'Little Gem'
Average water. Needs full sun. 		H: 12-18 in
W: 24-36 in 		Deer Resistant
Dwarf Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Pumila'
Nest-type green spruce is a true dwarf for small gardens. 		H: 3-4 ft
W: 3-4 ft 		Deer Resistant
Sherwood Compact Spruce
Picea aristata 'Sherwood Compact'
A narrow, upright-growing evergreen with medium green needles. 		H: 15-20 ft
W: 8-10 ft 		Deer Resistant
Dwarf Alberta Spruce-conical
Picea glauca 'Conica'
Popular dwarf conifer, that likes protection from winter wind. Small, tight needles. 		H: 10-12 ft
W: 5-10 ft 		Deer Resistant
Black Hills Spruce
Picea glauca 'Densata'
Native to South Dakota. Can tolerate some drought. 		H: 30-50 ft
W: 20-30 ft 		Deer Resistant
Picea glauca Jeans Dilly
Picea glauca 'Jean's Dilly'
Forms a perfect cone shape and never needs to be sheared. 		H: 2-5 ft
W: 1-3 ft 		Deer Resistant
White Weeping Spruce
Picea glauca 'Pendula'
Weeping selection from Ontario with gray-green needles. 		H: 6-15 ft
W: 2-5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Rainbow's End Alberta Spruce
Picea glauca 'Rainbow's End'
Bright yellow new growth in spring. Burns in dirct winter wind. 		H: 5-10 ft
W: 5-8 ft 		Deer Resistant
Serbian Spruce
Picea omorika
Tall, narrow tree. Perfect small locations. 		H: 40-50 ft
W: 15-20 ft 		Deer Resistant
Bruns Serbian Spruce
Picea omorika 'Bruns'
Tall, narrow tree. Tolerant of dry conditions. 		H: 40-50 ft
W: 15-20 ft 		Deer Resistant
Pimoka Serbian Spruce
Picea omorika 'Pimoko'
Tight gray-green needles on this dwarf spruce. 		H: 2 ft
W: 3 ft 		Deer Resistant
Aureospicata Spruce
Picea orientalis Aureospicata
This plant is notable for its bright yellow new growth. The needles mature to green on this broad tree. 		H: 50 ft
W: 25-30 ft 		Deer Resistant
Colorado Green Spruce
Picea pungens
Very stiff, horizontal branches forming a broad pyramid. 		H: 50 ft
W: 25 ft 		Deer Resistant
Slenderina Weeping Blue Spruce
Picea pungens glauca 'Slenderina Pendula'
Upright with blue weeping branches. No pruning or shaping required. 		H: 15-18 ft
W: 10-15 ft 		Deer Resistant
Bacheri Spruce
Picea pungens 'Bacheri'
Bright blue needles. Pyramid form. Full Sun. 		H: 20-30 ft
W: 20 ft 		Deer Resistant
Fastigiata Spruce
Picea pungens 'Fastigiata'
Upright, columnar intense blue color. 		H: 16 ft
W: 7 ft 		Deer Resistant
Fat Albert Spruce
Picea pungens 'Fat Albert'
A truly blue Spruce. Ideal for situations where you don't need a Spruce that gets 60 ft tall. 		H: 15 ft
W: 8-10 ft 		Deer Resistant
Globe Blue Spruce
Picea pungens 'Glauca Globosa'
Compact, mound-shaped with deep blue foliage. 		H: 3-5 ft
W: 5-6 ft 		Deer Resistant
Colorado Blue/Green Mix Spruce
Picea pungens 'Glauca Mix'
Blue and green Colorado spruce. Large upright tree used for wind breaks or privacy. 		H: 40-60 ft
W: 10-20 ft 		Deer Resistant
Colorado Blue Spruce
Picea Pungens 'Glauca'
Blue colored conifer. Makes a nice background plant. 		H: 40-60 ft
W: 10-20 ft 		Deer Resistant
Hoops Blue Spruce
Picea pungens 'Hoopsii'
The soft, silvery, blue-gray new foliage tuns to a blue-green as it ages. 		H: 30-60 ft
W: 10-20 ft 		Deer Resistant
Montgomery Blue Spruce
Picea pungens 'Montgomery'
Montgomery is a dwarf cultivar that is slow-growing and has silvery-gray-blue needles. 		H: 4-5 ft
W: 2-3 ft 		Deer Resistant
Roundabout Blue Spruce
Picea pungens 'Roundabout'
Slow growing, compact green globe. 		H: 4-5 ft
W: 4-5 ft 		Deer Resistant
Sester Dwf Blue Spruce
Picea pungens 'Sester Dwarf'
Dense conical shape with light blue needles. 		H: 8 ft
W: 5 ft 		Deer Resistant
St. Mary's Broom Blue Spruce
Picea pungens 'St. Mary's Broom'
Tight mounding habit, bright blue needles. Very slow growing. 		H: 2-3 ft
W: 3-4 ft 		Deer Resistant
Bristlecone Pine
Pinus aristata 'Joe's Bess'
Compact, uniform shape. Slow-growing tree requires little pruning, needs full sun.
Swiss Stone Pine
Pinus cembra 'Swiss Stone'
Extremely slow growing. Moist, humus rich soil. 		H: 50 ft
W: 20 ft
Dwf Limber Pine
Pinus flexilis 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'
Striking bluish green color and soft texture. 		H: 30 ft
W: 20 ft
Pumilio Mugo Pine
Pinus mugo 'Pumilo'
Prostrate grower from mountains of Europe. 		H: 3-5 ft
W: 6-10 ft
Slowmound Mugo Pine
Pinus mugo 'Slowmound'
Very compact, dense mound of dark green needles. 		H: 3-5 ft
W: 6-10 ft
Teeny Mugo Pine
Pinus mugo 'Teeny'
Extremely dwarf. Pruning is not needed. 		H: 1 ft
W: 1 ft
Ground Cover Mugo
Pinus Mugo 'Valley Cushion'
Very compact dense pine stays low and flat. Requires little or no pruning. 		H: 3-5 in
W: 2-3 ft
Austrian Pine
Pinus nigra
Darkest green of all the pines. Fuller habit than Ponderosa. 		H: 50-60 ft
W: 20-40 ft 		Deer Resistant
Ponderosa Pine
Pinus Ponderosa Scopulorum
Black Hills native. 		H: 60-80 ft
W: 25-30 ft 		Deer Resistant
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris 'Scotch'
Native of Europe and widely used as a Christmas Tree. It is a fast growing, irregularly shaped. 		H: 30-40 ft
W: 30-40 ft
Spreading Yew
Taxus media 'Dark Green Spreader'
Long lived and low maintenance. Needs well drained soil. Prefers to be out of winter wind. 		H: 3-5 ft
W: 6-8 ft
Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Mr Bowling Ball'
Perfect globe shape with soft green needles. No direct winter wind. 		H: 3-4 ft
W: 3-4 ft
Rushmore Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Rushmore'
Dark green needles form a dense upright shape. 		H: 12-20 ft
W: 3-5 ft
Whipcord Arborvitae
Thuja plicata 'Whipcord'
Mop-like effect, with long green tendrils. Best in part shade and no winter wind. 		H: 4 ft
W: 4 ft

See Also: Trees