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A Perfect Specimen Find a flawless garden focal point for your landscape design! Local landscape experts tell us their favorite specimen trees and how to keep them healthy and beautiful. Researched and Edited by Moe Godat
What is a specimen tree? Specimens are often highly ornamental or eye-catching trees planted apart from other trees or tree groupings. Their interesting attributes make them the perfect centerpiece for your garden’s design. Stand-Out Features There is not one particular attribute that makes a tree a specimen tree; instead, you can choose whichever tree has the right characteristics for you. Flowering trees can be excellent options, especially if blossoms are showy and long-lasting. Other trees are lauded for their forms, such as the striking shape of a weeping willow. Also consider choices with peeling bark, twisting branches or stunning fall foliage. Decisions, Decisions Many different factors go into choosing the correct specimen tree for your landscape, such as your existing landscape layout, soil and water requirements, climate, location and available light. If you find a particular tree beautiful, make sure to consult a local landscape professional to learn more about what it needs to thrive in your space.
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JUNE/JULY 2022 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM
Waldbrunn Blue Spruce is probably my favorite of all the spruces. It's a standout in any landscape at any size due to its layered branching and unique steel-blue needles. The ones we bring in are unique since this plant is usually found in short, shrub form. The Waldbrunn, like most spruces, loves full sun and hates wet roots. No pruning is needed for this beauty and the size you see is the size you get since it's so slow growing, so it will not outgrow the space its planted in. Andria L. Graeler, Chesterfield Valley Nursery.
