|
Growth Rate
|
Slow; typically 2–3" (5–7.5 cm) per year
Size about 2–3 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide at 10–12 years; long-term 4–5+ ft wide, 2.5–4 ft tall (remains low and mounded)
|
|
Colorful leaves
|
|
|
Flowering
|
No |
|
Disease resistant
|
Yes |
|
Cold Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Heat Tolerant
|
No |
|
Drought Tolerant
|
No |
|
Deer Resistant
|
Yes |
|
Edible
|
No |
|
Wildlife Attraction
|
Dense structure offers shelter for small birds; occasional cones provide minor seed value
Not a pollinator plant; conifers provide habitat rather than nectar
|
|
Self-pollinating
|
|
|
Seasonality
|
Year-round interest as a fine-textured, evergreen bun
New growth flushes in late spring; best needle sheen in bright, cool light
Cones (if produced) form in late spring and mature by late summer to fall
|
|
Ideal For
|
– Rock gardens, alpine and conifer collections, foundation plantings, four-season containers, small landscapes, foreground specimen in mixed borders |
|
Leaf Description
|
Short, stiff needles arranged radially; dark green upper surface with bright silvery-white bands beneath
Distinctive two-tone look gives a shimmering, “silver-backed” effect in breeze and sunlight
Evergreen; holds color well through winter
|
|
Flower Description
|
Male pollen cones small, yellowish to reddish in spring; female seed cones can emerge purple to burgundy, maturing brown
On ‘Karel’, cones are occasional and typically small relative to the plant
|
|
Planting Instructions
|
Choose a site with excellent drainage; avoid low, soggy spots and heavy, unamended clay
Plant in spring or early fall; dig a hole 2–3× the width of the root ball, same depth as the root flare
Backfill with native soil; incorporate 10–20% compost only if soil is very poor (don’t over-amend)
Set the root flare at or just above grade; do not bury the trunk
Water deeply after planting to settle soil; apply 2–3" mulch, keeping it 2–3" off the trunk
Space for eventual spread (approx. 3–4 ft in 10–12 years; ultimately 4–5+ ft)
|
|
Pruning & Maintenance
|
Minimal; naturally forms a dense, flattened bun/low mound
Late spring “pinch” (tip back new soft growth by ⅓) to keep edges tidy if desired
Remove any errant leader shoots promptly to maintain globose habit
Sanitation only: dead, damaged, or crossing wood any time the weather is dry
|
|
Water Needs
|
Keep evenly moist (not wet) the first 1–2 growing seasons to establish deep roots
Once established, moderate drought tolerance; prefers consistent moisture in well-drained soil
Deep, infrequent watering > frequent, shallow splashes; avoid standing water and constantly wet crowns
|
|
Light Needs
|
Full sun is best for dense, tight growth and richest bicolor needle effect
Tolerates light/partial shade (especially in hotter summer climates to reduce needle scorch)
|
|
Harvesting
|
No edible harvest; needles and cones are ornamental only
Cones may be collected for crafts or dried arrangements
|
|
Fertilizing
|
Low feeder; in early spring apply a light dose of balanced, slow-release, acid-leaning fertilizer (e.g., 5-3-2 or similar)
In average garden soil, fertilize once per year or every other year; avoid high-nitrogen, fast-release products
Maintain soil health with annual top-dressing of composted bark/leaf mold outside the root flare
|
|
Pollination
|
Gymnosperm; wind-pollinated
Cones may be sparse on dwarf forms; pollination not relevant to landscape performance
|
|
Companion Plants
|
Dwarf conifers for texture contrasts: Pinus mugo ‘Mops’, Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’, Thuja occidentalis ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’
Broadleaf evergreens for form/color: Buxus ‘Winter Gem’, Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’
Heathers and heaths (well-drained, acidic beds): Calluna vulgaris cultivars, Erica carnea
Grasses and strappy foliage for movement: Festuca glauca, Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’
Low-care perennials/shrubs with contrasting foliage or bloom: Heuchera (silver or chartreuse forms), Helleborus, Spiraea ‘Little Princess’, Berberis dwarf forms (where non-invasive)
|
