Specialty evergreens are extraordinary. Here’s why.

I would venture to guess that the most popular evergreen tree for Idaho landscapes is the blue spruce (Picea pungens). They are hardy and have an acceptable growth rate.

They aren’t particular about soils and offer the traditional pyramid shape we typically expect from an evergreen tree. Blue spruce are beautiful…and I hate them!

My animosity originated from having to mow around blue spruce as a kid. Their needles are sharp, as all spruce tend to have. This aversion was cultivated as I ventured further into life because their popularity makes them commonplace. You don’t have to agree with me. You can like your blue spruce. Just don’t ask me to mow your lawn if you plant one.

You don’t have to settle for normal. In the evergreen horticultural world, there are hosts of alternatives ranging from nuanced to eccentric. Venturing into this world can be eye opening.

One of the first hurdles to overcome when looking into the world of unique evergreens, is to alter most thinking in terms of species… And my attitude toward blue spruce must change. A blue spruce is no longer just a blue spruce. At one wholesale nursery, there are 25 varieties of blue spruce.

‘Scottie’ is a dwarf variety that only grows about 4 ft tall.

Want something a little taller that has that Christmas tree form? ‘Sester Dwarf’ could be what you’re looking for at a mature height of 6 ft tall.

There are many other dwarf varieties like ‘Pali’, ‘Mrs. Cesarini’, and ‘St. Mary’s Broom’.

‘Pendula’ or ‘The Blues’ are blue spruce varieties that have an extreme weeping habit. It’s almost like their “bones grow slower than their “skin”. Staking will result in an upright form with sagging branches. Left alone they’ll form a mound. These are all Picea pungens (blue spruce) but have very different uses/looks in the landscape.

Where does all this variety come from? It’s all a result of finding the oddballs in nature.

There are genetic differences within species. Most of the time we don’t notice the differences because they’re too slight. Other times these differences can be striking.

Sometimes they’re a surprise found in a different-looking seedling. They can also result from genetic mutations that form on normal trees for unknown reasons.

Savvy horticulturalists have ways to collect plant material from desirable genetic oddities and propagate it in the lab or greenhouse. This must be done to maintain the genetic characteristics. This can be achieved through rooted cuttings, grafting, and through plant tissue culture or micropropagation.

It can be challenging to acquire specialty evergreens. Retail nurseries stock what people buy and if few people buy a variety they can’t afford to keep it in stock.

Landscapers may be more knowledgeable about varieties and know how to get them.

Online is an option but aside from not supporting local businesses, you can’t pick out the actual plant you’re buying.

Specialty evergreens will be more expensive than the ordinary/common varieties. You probably won’t save money buying online because shipping potted plants is pricey.

But don’t get discouraged. The effort and expense are worth the return. Below are a few websites that offer good browsing options. I am not advocating you use any to make a purchase. A big step is just knowing what options are out there. Find something you like? Look for nurseries that carry those varieties. Travel a bit if you must. The addition of some unique evergreens to your landscape will wow you and your neighborhood.

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