Drought-Tolerant Dwarf Conifers

Compared to many other kinds of plants, most evergreen conifers are able to deal with adverse conditions. Besides adapting to low-water gardens, many dwarf forms are preferred for their small size, compatibility with other shrubs and perennials, and low fire risk on low plants.

Native Species

The first place to look when seeking conifers is among California natives where there are over 50 species, about half of which have many garden-appropriate cultivars. All require regular water for the first 2-3 years after planting, very little thereafter.

• Not all, however, are considered low-water. Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) cultivars, for example, require frequent irrigation, if not constant moisture. The most drought-tolerant are those in the Cupressus (cypress) and Pinus
• Cupressus macrocarpa(Monterey cypress), native to the central California coast, withstands low rainfall, poor soils, and Pacific gales. For low-water situations, dwarf ‘Coneybearii Aurea’ and ‘Greenstead Magnificent’ are particularly lovely cultivars.
• Pinus contorta‘Chief Joseph,’ ‘Taylor’s Sunburst,’ and ’Comanche’ are choice selections although they require moderate water.
• Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) assumes massive proportions in the wild but dwarf forms are manageable size in small gardens.
• Calocedrus decurrens (incense cedar) dwarf ‘Berrima Gold’ flourishes typical flattened sprays of golden-yellow foliage that takes on an orangish case in cold weather.

Conifers from Other Regions

Conifers native to other Mediterranean climates where they experience dry summers and periods of extreme conditions are among the most popular choices for their dwarf forms. Those indigenous to mountainous terrain with irregular rainfall are able to soldier through rugged conditions and still look attractive.

• Pinus mugohails from an exceptionally large native range in mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, many of which suffer severe, desiccating winds. Mugos have developed tough needles to retard water loss, enabling them to handle dry summers.
  • It is always advisable to select only those mugos with specific cultivar names rather than those unreliably labeled simply as a dwarf.
  • Some, such as ‘Mops,’ ‘Sherwood Compact,’ ‘Slowmound,’ and ‘White Bud’ are reliably slow growing.
• Not all firs are drought-tolerant, but Abies pinsapo, or Spanish fir, includes some outstanding low-water cultivars such as ‘Horstmann,’ ‘Glauca,’ and ‘Aurea.’
• Dwarf cultivars among Cedrus libani andCedrus atlantica are standout performers. Once established, they can handle far less-frequent waterings than California natives. There is a wide range of size, color, and form within the Cedrus  
• Cultivars of Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) are prized for intense blue color from wax on needles believed to reduce their temperature as well as transpiration and light absorption.
• Junipers as a genus are generally regarded as drought-tolerant and their wide distribution in the wild covers many arid regions.
  • There are hundreds of juniper cultivars and almost all can handle low-water conditions. ‘Blue Star’ is a highly praised, blue, dwarf specimen.

Special Care

When considering drought-tolerant plants, it is important to keep in mind that nearly all must be provided with supplemental water, especially during the 2-3 yrs. after planting.

• No dwarf conifer is drought-tolerant until it becomes established. Generally a minimum of 2-3 years after planting is needed for a large enough root system to develop.
• Weekly waterings are often needed for mature plants. In the hottest part of summer, twice a week may be necessary. A 3-4 inch layer of mulch vastly improves water retention.
• Even for species that prefer full sun, providing a bit of afternoon shade helps to conserve water and retain their good looks.  
• Many drought-tolerant species are from places with poor, rocky soil. In clay-based and poorly draining soils, it helps to plant on raised mounds and add generous amounts of lava pebbles to native soil at planting time to facilitate drainage.

August 2023