EVERGREENS
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Dwarf Balsam Fir
Abies balsamea 'Nana' H: 2' W: 3' Zone: 3 Part Shade to Full Sun. A dark green evergreen shrub with a rounded growth habit. The beautiful soft needles give the shrub a nice textured look. It is perfect for a rock garden or in a mass planting. The bright lime coloured new growth gives the shrub a spectacular look in the mid Spring. It does better in moist and acidic soil conditions and it can tolerate part shade. |
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Junipers (Low Growing)
Juniperus - Low Growing Varieties H: 6" - 36" (Variety Dependent) W: 36" - 60" (Variety Dependent) Zone: 2-4 (Variety Dependent) Full Sun. The horizontal varieties of Junipers vary in size and colour. They come in blue, green, and even gold depending on the cultivar that you choose. They are perfect for ground covers or in mass plantings. They are ideal for borders, rock gardens, slopes or cascading over walls. This is a great evergreen choice that will look good year round in your landscape. Very dependable. Prefers good drainage and Full Sun. |
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Upright Junipers
Juniperus (upright varieties) H: 10' - 15; (Variety Dependent) W: 2.5' - 5' (Variety Dependent) Zone: 2-4 (Variety Dependent) Upright junipers vary in size and colour. Some are green and others are a beautiful blue colour. They are Ideal for privacy screens or wind blocks, or can be used as a focal point as a single specimen. They have a medium to slow growth rate and can tolerate hot and dry conditions unlike Cedars. Most varieties are not susceptible to winter burn. |
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Russian Cypress
Microbiota decussata H: 2' W: 4' Zone: 3 Full Sun to Part Shade. A low spreading cypress with feather like foliage that is similar to a Cedar. A good substitute for low junipers in somewhat shady areas. This plant offers an interesting texture that few plants can replicate. The foliage turns coppery brown in the fall. |
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Columnar Norway Spruce
Picea abies fastigiata 'Cupressina','Christina','Pyramidalis' H: 18' W: 5' Zone: 4 Generally we have not found Columnar Norway Spruce to be reliably hardy in our climate. Therefore; we rarely if ever carry any in our inventory. As our climate changes and hardier selections become available we may try it again, but for now we include it on our plant search for information only. The specimen in this picture resides in the Forest Heights neighbourhood of Edmonton. |
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Little Gem Spruce
Picea abies 'Little Gem' H: 12" W: 30" Zone: 3 Full to Part Sun. A petite rounded shrub that is very compact. Although it is fairly slow growing it offers an understated elegance to your yard. The dense green needles are dark green while new growth emerges as a beautiful lime green colour that contrasts it beautifully. |
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Birds Nest Spruce
Picea abies 'Nidiformis' H: 2' W: 4' Zone: 3 Full to Part Sun. This is a low growing evergreen which develops a flat concave top which gives it it's name. It is very hardy and easy to grow. Light green new growth gives it a glow in the spring as it accents the old dark green growth. A good choice for the middle of your planting bed. |
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Weeping Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Pendula' H: As grafted/staked W: 3' - 4' Zone: 3 Weeping accent tree with dark green needles. Although it doesn't look like something that would typically live on the prairies it is actually quite tough. Slow growing and low maintenance. New buds emerge purple-red in spring giving way to bright apple green new growth which matures to dark green with the season. Does not get taller than the height it is staked or grafted at. Trails down in a manner that is both beautiful and unique. Perfect for any yard as it's compact size can be easily managed. In maturity the weeping branches will crawl along the ground or can me pruned back. It has year round appeal as living art in your yard! |
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Dwarf Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Pumila' H: 2' W: 4' Zone: 3 Full to Part Sun. A very dense rounded evergreen shrub. The compact growth is easy to maintain for shape and size. Perfect for border plantings or in rock gardens. The foliage is very dark green and has a nice texture. |
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Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Picea glauca 'Conica' H: 7' W: 3' Zone: 4 Part to Full Shade. A small conical evergreen with blunt soft foliage that is very dense and green all season. It is great for small spaces or to add texture to a garden. This variety was originally selected near Lake Louise in a deep forest understory. Because of this; it prefers a protected location with full or part shade. It maintains it's shape with no pruning needed. Does better in a protected site where it is not susceptible to winter winds or sun. Due to winter damage being so common we do not warranty Dwarf Alberta Spruce. |
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White Spruce
Picea glauca H: 45' W: 18' - 25' Zone: 2 Full Sun to Part Shade. A very hardy spruce; native to Alberta. Fast growing and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. This tree is ideal as a large specimen tree or in parks, shelter belts, or in mass plantings. The needles are a beautiful green all season long. This is a very dense tree that is very low maintenance. |
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Black Hills White Spruce
Picea glauca var. densata H: 40' W: 18' - 20' Zone: 2b A subspecies of White Spruce discovered in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Somewhat slower growth than the species resulting in uniformly dense pyramidal form. Low maintenance and adaptable. A great option for shelterbelts or as a specimen to put Christmas lights on in winter. |
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Weeping White Spruce
Picea glauca 'Pendula' H: 25' W: 4' Zone: 3 Full to Part Sun. A weeping variety of White Spruce which maintains a terminal leader without staking. A very hardy variety that gives interest all year long. It is virtually maintenance free and provides a unique look to any yard. It does not winter burn and is perfect for narrow situations. Because it has a weeping habit it easily sheds any snow load that we receive here in Edmonton. |
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Bruns Serbian Spruce
Picea omorika 'Bruns' H: 20' W: 8' Zone: 3 Dark green needles with silvery-white bands on the undersides, new growth emerges with a bluish cast. Narrow form with a strong central leader. Graceful branching arches up at the tips. Prefers deep rich soils with consistent moisture but will not tolerate standing water or soggy soils. Not very tolerant of urban pollution. |
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Dwarf Serbian Spruce
Picea omorika 'Nana' H: 3' - 6' W: 3' - 6' Zone: 4 Full Sun to Part Shade. Green needles with unique silver-blue undersides give this evergreen dimension in a garden. Dense, globe form when young, maturing to pyramidal unless sheared to maintain rounded shape. Slow growing and compact. Prefers average to rich soils with good drainage and consistent moisture (will not tolerate soggy soil or standing water). Benefits from a sheltered location to prevent winter injury/burning. |
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Colorado Spruce - Green and Blue
Picea pungens H: 40'+ W: up to 20' Zone: 2 Grown from seed and available in Blue or Green; Colorado Spruce is large evergreen tree with a pyramidal shape that is very hardy in Alberta. The parent species of all varieties of blue spruce. Considered low maintenance with a strong central leader. Good as single specimen trees or in mass plantings for shelterbelts or in parks. Drought tolerant once established. Usually deer resistant. Interest all year round. This species is native to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Foliage colour is brightest in full sun. Prefers good drainage. Somewhat slower growing than White Spruce. |
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Baby Blue Colorado Spruce
Picea pungens H: 30'+ W: 18' - 20' Zone: 2 A true to seed selection of Colorado Spruce with uniform blue colour and strong central leaders. Dense pyramidal form with sturdy branching and good cold tolerance. May stay a bit smaller than regular Colorado Spruce at maturity but will still be a large tree. Not to be mistaken with Baby Blue Eyes spruce which is a true dwarf. |
Colorado Blue Spruce - Named Varieties
Picea pungens 'Bakeri', 'Fat Albert', 'Hoopsie'
Zone: 2
Like their parent; the Colorado Spruce, all of the selected varieties prefer the same conditions of well-drained soil and full sun for best colour. All are grafted selections (for uniformity) and slower growing than White Spruce. The following are some of the Named Colorado Spruce varieties that we carry:
Picea pungens 'Bakeri', 'Fat Albert', 'Hoopsie'
Zone: 2
Like their parent; the Colorado Spruce, all of the selected varieties prefer the same conditions of well-drained soil and full sun for best colour. All are grafted selections (for uniformity) and slower growing than White Spruce. The following are some of the Named Colorado Spruce varieties that we carry:
- Bakeri Colorado Blue Spruce: (H: 30' x W: 10'-15') Also known as Baker's Blue Spruce. Consistantly deeper blue needles than other varieties. Stout and sturdy branching give a coarser texture for the landscape.
- Fat Albert Colorado Blue Spruce: (H: 30'+ x W: 18'-20') Selected for a dense growth habit while providing a beautiful blue colour. Strong central leader and requires very little pruning in general.
- Hoopsii Colorado Blue Spruce: (H: 30' x W: 10') Considered the most silver/blue of all Colorado Spruce. Somewhat narrower form and spire-like appearance. Usually needs selective pruning when young to maintain single central leader.
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Columnar Blue Colorado Spruce
Picea pungens 'Fastigiata' H: 25' W: up to 8' Zone: 2 A grafted variety of Colorado Blue Spruce selected for it's narrow columnar form. Soft new growth emerges bright blue. This is an extremely hardy tree which is perfect as a specimen tree or in a privacy row. As with all varieties of blue spruce; the more sun you give this tree, the more blue it will become. It is a little bit slower growing compared to some conifers (part of what keeps it so compact) but is usually long lived. Deer resistant. Prefers well drained soils. |
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Globe Blue Spruce- low graft & high graft
Picea pungens 'Globosa' H: 5' W: 5' Zone: 2 Full Sun. A small dense rounded evergreen with a distinct blue colour. Available as a shrub or grafted onto a single stem to give it a tree form. Beautiful small accent or patio tree. Flat top can be easily shaped/rounded with shearing. Very low maintenance. Remains blue throughout the winter. New growth is soft and very bright. Drought tolerant once established. As with all varieties of blue spruce; the more sun you give this tree, the more blue it will become. Prefers well-drained soils. |
Montgomery
Sester
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Dwarf Blue Spruce Varieties Picea pungens glauca 'Montgomery', 'Sester Dwarf' Zone: 2 Dwarf Colorado Blue Spruce varieties offer all the benefits of regular Colorado Spruce but is are more compact for smaller spaces and the modern yard. Requires almost no pruning or maintenance. Slow growing but that is part of what keeps them so compact. As with all varieties of blue spruce; the more sun you give this tree, the more blue it will become. Prefer well-drained soils.
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Weeping Blue Spruce Varieties
Picea pungens 'Pendula', 'Glauca Slenderina', 'Glauca' H: 18' W: 10' Zone: 3 |
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Bristlecone Pine
Pinus aristata H: 18' W: 10' Zone: 3 This is one of the more unique and rare pines that can grow in Edmonton. Although it is breath taking as it matures, you had better have patience. It's growth rate is about 6" of growth a year under ideal conditions. It is also one of the longest lived trees on earth with some specimens said to be over 2000 years old. This is a drought tolerant pine that can really reward the homeowner down the road with it's abstract growth and a likeness to a monkey puzzle tree when mature. These pictures were taken in Sherwood Park and the Highlands Neighborhood in Edmonton. |
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Swiss Stone Pine
Pinus cembra H: 25' W: 15' Zone: 2 Narrow pyramidal pine with soft beautiful dark green pine needles. Absolutely stunning slower growing pine known for its soft needles and dense look. Slow to establish but growth rate will increase once established. Great medium sized specimen tree perfect for any yard. Very hardy & resistant to winter injury. Usually attracts deer. Long lived. Prefers good drainage. |
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Lodgepole Pine
Pinus contorta latifolia H: 50' W: 25' Zone: 2 Native to the Rocky Mountain ranges, Lodgepole Pine is Alberta's Provincial Tree! Used historically for building longhouses by indigenous peoples in the region because of its uniformly straight trunks and strong central leader; hence the common name. Dark green needles turn more yellow with maturity. Very low maintenance. Used in shelterbelts or parks or as large specimen trees. Prefers good drainage and poor soils. |
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Mugo Pine
Pinus mugo H: up to 9' W: up to 8' Zone: 2 Full Sun. Prefers good drainage. A very popular large shrub that is extremely hardy. Prune candles when they appear in late spring to maintain a compact shape. Needles are dark green and keep their colour well in the winter. Average to Slow growth rate. Very low maintenance. Adds good texture to any landscape or can be used as a stand-alone specimen. Grown from seed making each shrub a genetic individual (some variability in mature size and shape). |
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Dwarf Mugo Pine
Pinus mugo 'Pumilo' H: 3' - 4' W: 4' - 5' Zone: 2 Full Sun. Prefers well-drained soil. A dwarf version of the Mugo pine. Maintain compact/dense shape by pruning candles in spring as needed. Mounded form that is great for borders or rock gardens. Very hardy and adaptable to a range of soil conditions. Soft rich dark green needles give this shrub good interest and texture. Grown from seed making each shrub a genetic individual (some variability in mature size and shape). |
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Slowmound Mugo Pine
Pinus mugo 'Pumilo' H: 2' W: 3' Zone: 3 Full Sun. Prefers well-drained soil. Slow growing and very compact. A grafted clonal selection of Mugo Pine, ensuring uniformity in shape and size at maturity. Low mounding form and very low maintenance. Little or no pruning needed. Will not tolerate overly moist or poorly drained soils. |
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Columnar Mugo Pines (Columnar, Big Tuna & Tannenbaum)
Pinus mugo 'Columnaris' , 'Big Tuna' & 'Tannenbaum' H: 10' - 15' W: 4' - 6' Zone: 2 Full Sun. Prefers well-drained soils. These three mugo pine varieties provide dense evergreen foliage with a compact and upright growth habit. Slower growing (part of what keeps these pines so compact). Selected for its unique texture and pyramidal shape. Usually requires some pruning of new growth when young to maintain tight shape. The Tannenbaum variety gets the largest while the Big Tuna and Columnar mugo keep to the lower of the size range. |
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Ponderosa Pine
Pinus ponderosa H: 35' W: 18' Zone: 3 Large, faster growing pine ideal for large landscapes. Softer dark long green needles add great colour and texture. Ideal for sunny or part sun locations. Beautiful cinnamon-brown bark. Can be used in windbreaks or shelterbelts. |
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Columnar Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus fastigiata H: 30' W: 8' Zone: 3 This is a columnar selection of Eastern White Pine. A very unique pine with an upright and open growth habit. Long, silky soft grayish green needles add texture and colour to any landscape. Perfect for small areas or chose this tree for a unique look in your landscape. Slow to medium growth rate, little to no pruning required. Does shed more needles yearly than other pines (self-mulching!) It prefers well-drained soil. Full to part sun needed. A stunning and unique pine! |
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Weeping Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus 'Pendula' H: As staked/grafted W: 5'-10' (depending on pruning) Full to Part Sun. This is an amazingly wonderful feature tree. Deer and rabbit resistant. Soft needles and twisted truck. Can train to a certain height then let it weep down. Photo taken in Highlands neighbourhood of Edmonton. Very unique tree. Can use over a nice rock or water feature. |
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Scots Pine
Pinus sylvestris H: 40' W: 20' Zone: 3 This variety of pine is absolutely stunning. It has a beautiful orange bark as it matures. It is known for its variety of shapes at maturity. Durable and very low maintenance. This tree is used in large landscapes, parks or shelterbelts. As the tree matures the branches become more spaced, giving the bark a chance to stand out. |
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Topiary Scots Pine
Pinus sylvestris-Topiary Form Adaptable height & spread dependent on pruning. Zone: 3 A stunning form of Scots pine that has been sculpted in a pom pom topiary style. Topiary trees take a few extra years to produce and are sometimes hard to keep in stock so inquire early. Yearly pruning is required to maintain it's sculpted form but the work pays off in a compact conversation piece in your yard. The best time to do this, is when the new growth forms in the Spring. Once the "candles" have emerged it is best to pinch or shear them back by half. Best results in a sheltered location. |
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Mountain Pine
Pinus uncinata H: 25' W: 15' Zone: 2 A faster growing pine closely related to mugo pine. Very dense needles with dark green colour give this tree a stately look. Perfect for smaller areas where a pine tree is desirable. Provides winter interest. Full sun to part shade. Can grow in a variety of soil conditions. Great as an accent plant or used in groupings/borders. |
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Brandon Pyramidal Cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'Brandon' H: 20' W: 6' Zone 3 Part Shade to Full Sun. Prefers free-draining soil with adequate & consistent moisture. Upright cedar that is great as a privacy screen or a vertical accent. Soft dark green foliage is nice and full and adds interest all year round. Adequate soil volume is important for shallow netted root system (doesn't compete well in clay). Nice texture to add to any landscape. As with all Cedar varieties; Brandons, while hardy are susceptible to winter damage caused by drying wind and sun glare (sunlight reflecting of snow or white buildings) over winter. Best in a protected area or consider wrapping with burlap in the winter months even for the first few years. With care and proper site selection Cedars can be quite long lived. Please note we only offer a limited warranty on cedars, see our warranty page for more information. |
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Degroot Spire Cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroot Spire' H: 12' W: 2' Zone 3 Part Shade to Full Sun. An absolutely stunning cedar with unique foliage that is dark green and soft. A slower growing cedar that holds it's colour very well in the winter. Columnar shape gives a nice vertical accent and this cedar does well as a privacy screen or a stand alone tree. Rarely, if ever needs pruning. As with all Cedar varieties; Degroots Spires are susceptible to winter damage caused by drying wind and sun glare (sunlight reflecting of snow or white buildings) over winter. Best in a protected area or consider wrapping with burlap in the winter months even for the first few years. Please note we only offer a limited warranty on cedars, see our warranty page for more information. |
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Holmstrup Cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup' H: 12' W: 5' Zone 3 Part Shade to Full Sun. A hardy, dense cedar that requires no pruning or maintenance to keep its pyramidal/conical shape. Foliage is a nice dark green that keeps its colour all season long. Great for winter interest as well. Can be used as a hedge, screen or single specimen plant. Great as an upright accent. As with all Cedar varieties; Holmstrups are susceptible to winter damage caused by drying wind and sun glare (sunlight reflecting of snow or white buildings) over winter. Best in a protected area or consider wrapping with burlap in the winter months even for the first few years. Please note we only offer a limited warranty on cedars, see our warranty page for more information. |
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Little Giant & Hetz Midget Dwarf Cedars
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant' & 'Hetz Midget' H: 3' W: 3' Zone 3 Part Shade to Full Sun. A very compact and rounded cedar varieties. A great small evergreen shrub for a short hedge, border planting, rock gardens, or to add texture and a dark green colour to the landscape. Full and soft foliage gives interest all year. As with all Cedar varieties; Little Giant & Hetz are susceptible to winter damage caused by drying wind and sun glare (sunlight reflecting of snow or white buildings) over winter. Best in a protected area or consider wrapping with burlap in the winter months even for the first few years. Please note we only offer a limited warranty on cedars, see our warranty page for more information. |
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Skybound Cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'Skybound' H: 20' W: 6' Zone 3 The Skybound variety was selected from Brandon parents for improved winter hardiness. Although we have not noticed it to be any hardier or less susceptible to winter injury here at Sunstar; many landscapers and homeowners alike swear by Skybound's improved winter performance. We usually recommend going with whichever one is available in the size desired as they look almost identical to the tried and tested Brandon Cedar. As with all Cedar varieties; Skybounds are susceptible to winter damage caused by drying wind and sun glare (sunlight reflecting of snow or white buildings) over winter. Best in a protected area or consider wrapping with burlap in the winter months even for the first few years. Please note we only offer a limited warranty on cedars, see our warranty page for more information. |
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Techny Cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'Techny' H: 14' W: 6' Zone 3 One of the toughest of all the cedars (tied with Siberian Cedar from our experience). Can tolerate more sun and wind that other cedars. Fast growing with a pyramidal form and a beautiful textured foliage. Needs good moisture in sunny conditions. Very low maintenance and takes well to shearing. Resistant to windburn. Please note we only offer a limited warranty on cedars, see our warranty page for more information. |
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Siberian (Wares) Cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'Wareana' H: 12' W: 8' Zone 3 One of the toughest of all the cedars (tied with Techny from our experience). A very dense oval shaped cedar that is very tough and hardy in our climate. Foliage is a light green that keeps its colour all season. Great cedar for the prairies because it can withstand cold and winter winds. Used as a hedge, screen or border plant. Keep this cedar moist in sunny conditions, although it does prefer to be grow in part shade Please note we only offer a limited warranty on cedars, see our warranty page for more information. . |
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Globe Cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'Woodwardii' H: 6' W: 6' Zone 3 Part Shade to Full Sun. Prefers moist free draining soil. A popular globe shaped cedar that is great for border plantings or a tall rounded hedge. Easy to prune and shape. An interesting cedar that covers space enough for any yard. Foliage is dark green and soft with good texture. As with all Cedar varieties; Globe Cedars are susceptible to winter damage caused by drying wind and sun glare (sunlight reflecting of snow or white buildings) over winter. Best in a protected area or consider wrapping with burlap in the winter months even for the first few years. Please note we only offer a limited warranty on cedars, see our warranty page for more information. |
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Yellow Ribbon & Sunkist Cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon' & 'Sunkist' H: 8' W: 4' Zone 4 Part Shade to Full Sun. Prefers moist free draining soil. A pyramidal cedar with beautiful gold coloured foliage, which is especially vibrant at the tips. Fall colour is even more vibrant and really stands out in the landscape. Ideal for smaller yards or areas where an accent colour is desired in shadier locations. Best performance in a sheltered location. As with all Cedar varieties; Yellow Ribbons are susceptible to winter damage caused by drying wind and sun glare (sunlight reflecting of snow or white buildings) over winter. Best in a protected area or consider wrapping with burlap in the winter months even for the first few years. Please note we only offer a limited warranty on cedars, see our warranty page for more information. |
