Golden Conifers Shine in the Northwest

Add winter interest with a shock of color from these standout evergreens

Late wintertime and early spring in the Pacific Northwest are challenging clock time for the gardener . The glowering , wet , tempestuous days often force us to be inside , and we seldom get to enjoy the outdoors . Our interaction with our garden are often kick downstairs to glimpses of them from inside the house or while scud to and from the car . This is when we must rely on stunning , brilliant - colorise conifer to slow us down and allow us to appreciate leafage . I wish using these plants to add together brightness and an element of surprise to a dark wintertime garden . Here are a few of the conifers I enjoy in the garden this time of year that should be uncommitted at local nursery and garden centers .

‘Chief Joseph’ lodgepole pine

Growth rate:4 to 6 inches per yearMature size:6 feet tall by 4 feet wide

If you are attend for a sensational garden specimen , look no further . ‘ Chief Joseph ’ lodgepole pine ( Pinus contortavar.latifolia‘Chief Joseph ’ , Zones 5–9 ) is a alone and exquisite tree . This chance sport of a lodgepole true pine was discover in the Wallowa Mountains in eastern Oregon by plantsman Doug Will . He constitute it for the famous Nez Perce Native American leader Chief Joseph . This special and unique pine tree is for the serious works collector . Do n’t be shock by the terms ; it is notoriously hard to propagate and slow growing . The most interesting aspect of this pine is that when the cool weather starts and the day become unforesightful , it change color . ‘ Chief Joseph ’ turn from a light or culture medium green to a spectacular favorable yellowness . This is a beautiful specimen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and is well worth the sentence and cost for the correct garden . Like all pines , this tree needs well - drained soil and full sun .

Dwarf golden Japanese yew

Growth rate:3 to 6 inch per yearMature size:2 foot tall by 6 feet broad

nanus golden Nipponese yew ( Taxus cuspidata‘Nana Aurescens ’ , Zones 4–8 ) has year - circular gold color . This compact variety comes from Japan , Korea , China , and Russia and is well suited to our wet and cold Pacific Northwest wintertime . The new growth on this yew is bright prosperous icteric and provides a nice dividing line to the late time of year ’s growth that will darken to green as it mature . This cultivar of Japanese yew prefers partial shade to prevent sun - scorching and will grow well as an understory flora . It take care lovely implant en masse or intermingled in a low assorted planting arranging . Other works should not cover it , however , as that will get it to die back . Like all yews , it requires some supplementary wet but resents standing water . yew are great long - lived plant for any garden and can be pruned to maintain size and frame .

Winter Sun mugo pine

maturation rate:2 to 4 inches per yearMature size:1 metrical unit grandiloquent by 3 feet wide ; possibly up to 4 base magniloquent and 6 feet wide in perfect conditions

This color - commute dwarf mugo pine adds a bright punctuation of gold to a dark winter garden . Winter Sun mugo true pine ( Pinus mugo‘Wintersonne ’ , Zones 2–8 ) is a typical lightness green like many other conifers during the growing season , but like ‘ Chief Joseph ’ lodgepole pine , it turns bright amber - amber as the temperature drop and the days become shorter . Winter Sun mugo pine , like most golden - needled varieties , is sluggish growing and usually does not require any pruning to asseverate its nice respectable use .

Adding some brightly coloured conifers is an splendid way to brighten up your winter garden . Hopefully this selection will invigorate you to try some endearing golden - needle conifer in your own garden or possibly find some different unity at your local garden center or nursery .

— Jason Jorgensen is a landscape graphic designer in Seattle .

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‘Chief Joesph’ lodgepole pine

‘Chief Joseph’ lodgepole pine catches the eye with blends of cool and warm colors.Photo: Jason Jorgensen

‘Chief Joseph’ lodgepole pine

Many golden conifers display shades of yellow and green, but the vibrant foliage of ‘Chief Joseph’ also carries shades of orange, making it truly pop out of the landscape.Photo: Jason Jorgensen

‘Chief Joseph’ lodgepole pine