Conifers

This exceptionally diverse world-class collection is represented both in the conservatory as well as outdoors. In fact, because of the depth of the collection, the Dwarf and Rare Conifer Garden has been designated a reference garden by the National Conifer Society.

Although represented throughout the outdoor gardens, the main concentration is found in the Conifer Garden outside the front entrance to the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory, where representatives of every conifer family can be seen growing together. Towering Sequoia sempervirens ‘Atpos Blue’ (Redwood), deciduous (Pseudolarix amabilis (False Larch)) and unusual forms of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar) all complement one another.

The collection highlights dwarf and rare conifers showcasing the wide range of forms, colors and textures available to an Atlanta garden. Throughout the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory and the Fuqua Orchid Center, rarely seen tropical conifers from around the world can be enjoyed. Towering broad-leafed Agathis robusta (Queensland Kauri) from northeast Australia, the Fijian native Acmopyle sahniana, and the New Caledonian Retrophyllum comptonii are all found in the Garden’s conservatories.

Golden Larch

The soft green foliage of the Golden Larch turns to golden yellow in fall. Oddly, this deciduous conifer loses its needles in winter.
Learn More

Early-Flowering Borage

Trachystemon orientalis is a great ornamental ground cover for dense shade. A sign that spring is on the way, this perennial sends up electric-blue flowers, a color rarely seen in the plant kingdom, even before it has a single leaf in the early spring and eventually forms a dense ground cover in the Conifer Garden.
Learn More

Persian Ironwood

Spring and fall bring bright color to the Persian Ironwood tree near the Hardin Visitor Center.
Learn More

Falling Waters Bald Cypress

Discover this weeping deciduous conifer near the water "painting" wall in the Lou Glenn Children's Garden.
Learn More

Japanese White Pine

Find this symbol of longevity and permanence, famous for its blue foliage, in the Japanese Garden.
Learn More