Conifers for Gardens: An Illus trated Encyclopedia

Encompassing more than 1,500 full-color photographs, an up-to-date reference describes more 1,350 species and cultivars of conifer plants, accompanied by detailed descriptions; information on size, appearance, susceptibility to disease and pests, and cultivation techniques; and an appendix of specialty nurseries, conifer societies, and additional resources.

Conifers are often the number-one choice for gardeners, designers, and other professionals who are looking for a striking specimen or a low-maintenance, permanent addition to the landscape. But with the bewildering number of choices offered by nurseries and garden centers, it's hard to know which plant will provide the qualities you're looking for. Not only do conifers come in a huge array of forms and foliage colors, they also differ vastly in size: you don't want to come home with a future forest giant when what you had in mind was a miniature for the rock garden.
Conifers for Gardens is intended to take away the element of uncertainty when you're choosing a plant that may alter your yard for years to come. Illustrated with more than 1,500 photographs and brimming with concise descriptions of both species and their numerous cultivars, this reference provides information - including size, appearance, hardiness, preferred growing conditions, and susceptibility to pests and diseases - for almost every hardy conifer you're likely to encounter in the trade, whether it's a tried-and-true favorite or a connoisseur's treasure.
Included are popular genera such as the firs (Abies), falsecypresses (Chamaecyparis), junipers Uuniperus), spruces (Picea), pines (Pinus), yews (Taxus), arborvitaes (Thuja), and hemlocks (Tsuga). Those looking for something out of the ordinary will find entries on such intriguing plants as the plum-yews (Cephalotaxus), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), and Japanese umbrellapine (Sciadopitys verticillata).