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Growth Rate
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- Speed: Slow to moderate grower; typically grows about 12-18 inches per year.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 30-60 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide, forming a compact, symmetrical pyramid shape ideal for landscape design.
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Wildlife Attraction
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- Attracts: Birds are drawn to the tree for nesting and feeding on the seeds from the cones.
- Wildlife Resistant: Generally deer-resistant due to the sharp, stiff needles.
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Seasonality
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- Foliage Season: Evergreen; provides year-round interest.
- Flowering Season: Spring (May to June).
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-6
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Ideal For
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- Specimen planting
- Windbreaks and privacy screens
- Wildlife gardens
- Foundation plantings
- Erosion control
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Dark green to blue-green needles, ½-1 inch long, stiff and sharply pointed.
- Form: Needle-like leaves arranged radially around the branches, providing dense, full foliage.
- Winter Interest: Retains its rich, green needles year-round, creating striking winter color in cold climates.
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Flower Description
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- Color: Small reddish male flowers and purplish female cones.
- Form: Inconspicuous flowers that develop into small, cylindrical cones.
- Bloom Time: Spring (May to June).
- Cones: Produces small, brownish cones up to 2 inches long, maturing by fall.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5-7.0). Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space trees 15-25 feet apart for specimen planting or 8-12 feet apart for a windbreak or privacy screen.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Method: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a healthy structure. Avoid heavy pruning to preserve its natural form.
- Topiary: While generally left in its natural form, it can be lightly shaped for specific landscape needs.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water deeply as needed during dry spells.
- Soil Moisture: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate brief periods of drought once established.
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Light Needs
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Thrives in full sun. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and health. |
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Fertilizing
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- Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or an acidic fertilizer suited for evergreens.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Picea glauca densata is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free but can occasionally suffer from aphids, spider mites, or fungal diseases. Proper spacing, watering, and air circulation help prevent issues.
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Pollination
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- Pollination Type: Wind-pollinated. Male cones release pollen that fertilizes female cones, leading to seed production.
- Seed Production: Produces small cones that mature in fall and provide seeds that attract birds.
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Companion Plants
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- Rhododendrons
- Hostas
- Hydrangeas
- Ornamental Grasses
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