Provided the container is sufficiently sized, most columnar type arborvitaes (Emerald Green, DeGroot's Spire, Hetz Wintergreen, etc.) would work. Even if posted mature height exceeds what you need, growing them in a container is a natural dwarfing process and will keep the shrubs smaller, more compact.

The bigger the better. Six feet is the minimum. Thanks. I thought I might be restricted yo boxwood. Now to time the sales. I know they put a red bow on and raise the prices before Christmas!

Well, I've just been looking at a LOT of evergreens! Not necessarily for pots, but I've seen an awful lot of evergreens the last few days! My head is spinning lol.

Off of the top of my (spinning) head, I recall, arborvitaes Emerald Petite, and Totem, which are about 6 feet and on the narrow side. I also saw Sugar and Spice recommended for containers, although it gets to 10 feet tall. I guess if you have the right sized container you can grow almost anything!

Some hollies - Straight and Narrow, Arrow Point, Sky Pencil, maybe Chesapeake

Taxus Korean Gold, Stonehenge and/or Stonehenge Skinny, standishii

Yesterday at a garden center I saw a Blue Point juniper that was quite nice. I think they would work in containers too.

Been looking at some blue spruce too but not sure if they are suitable for container growing...

:)

Dee

It is important to remember that not all conifers - or even deciduous trees and shrubs - will survive year round in a container. As they will be exposed to much colder temps than they would be if planted in the ground, the plant choices need to be very cold hardy. Not a huge problem in a zone 7 but a consideration, nonetheless.

" Been looking at some blue spruce too but not sure if they are suitable for container growing..."

Sorry to say but if you live anywhere east of the Rockies, blue spruce are not suitable for planting anywhere, let alone in a container!! Just say "no"!!

Not to hijack this thread, but Gardengal, why is that? They're sold and grown around here a lot, I believe. Of course, I know that doesn't mean they SHOULD be, but I would think they would't be so popular if there is an issue?

As far as overwintering, if you were referring to my ideas (and quite possibly you were not) I suggested the trees that were suitable for zone 6, using the rule of thumb that a container plant should be hardy one zone below one's planting zone. (i.e. kitasei's zone 7)

:)

Dee

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/6468143/colorado-blue-spruce-desolation#n=3

When we first moved here, there was a gorgeous planting of blue spruce down the street from us. It looked good for about 15 years, then started to go downhill.

Oh, there's an issue alright!! If you scroll through postings on the Conifers forum, you will find countless posts lamenting the half dead, defoliated appearance of Picea pungens planted pretty much anywhere east of the Rockies and certainly anywhere that has high summer heat and humidity. This species of tree is highly climate driven and just does not tolerate climates that vary much from those found in its native range. Needlecast is almost impossible to avoid and in a matter of a few short years, most blue spruce will look like crap.

btw, the rule of thumb is at least two zones hardier for overwintering container plantings but even that is open to some interpretation based on plant choice. It is not hard and fast. Even hardy plants grown in containers are subject to winter damage in colder zones, some much more than others.

Thanks for that MG. I wasn't aware. I guess it's too humid for them here. Good to know and I will (sadly) cross them off my list!

:)

Dee

I was at Home Depot and just checked out what conifers they had. Their arb was Smargryd(?) which wasnt on your list but I wonder if it fits the bill too. I must say seeing them lined up there made me wonder if Id do better with something less…pointy?

Smaragd is the same as Emerald Green. That is its official Danish name.