Picea glauca 'North Pole' (Montrose Charm)

• Wildlife: Picea glauca 'North Pole' provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife.
• Pollinators: While not particularly attractive to pollinators, the tree does provide a habitat for various bird species.
• Birds: Birds often use the dense branches for nesting, and some may eat the seeds from mature cones.

• Seasonality: Evergreen, providing year-round interest with its vibrant green needles.
• Flowering Season: White spruce produces small, inconspicuous flowers (cones) in spring, but it is primarily grown for its foliage and form.
• Winter Interest: Retains its rich green needles through the winter months, offering year-round structure and beauty

•  Vertical Accent – Tall, narrow form makes it ideal as a specimen or architectural element.
  
•  Hedging or Screening – Dense foliage and upright habit make it excellent for privacy screens.
  
•  Foundation Planting – Can be used near large structures where height is desired.
  
•  Windbreaks – Effective in rows for blocking wind in open areas.
  
•  Formal Gardens – Its symmetrical, narrow form works well in structured landscape designs.
  
•  Year-Round Structure – Evergreen needles provide winter interest and garden form.
  
  

• The needles are short, stiff, and bright green, densely packed along the branches, giving the tree a lush and compact appearance.
• The foliage remains vibrant throughout the year, providing consistent color in the garden.
• The needles are slightly aromatic when crushed, adding a sensory experience to the landscape.

• This conifer produces small, reddish-brown male cones and slightly larger greenish female cones, which are inconspicuous and not the plant’s primary ornamental feature.
• The cones may mature into light brown, papery seed cones that add texture to the tree’s appearance but are generally not a focal point.

• Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler and the soil is easier to work.
• Choose a well-drained site with slightly acidic to neutral soil. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, well-draining soil is essential to avoid root rot.
• Space plants approximately 5 to 6 feet apart if using them as a hedge or privacy screen.

Minimal pruning is required. If needed, prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree or remove any damaged or dead branches. Avoid pruning too late in the season to prevent damage to new growth.

• Maintenance: Generally low-maintenance, 'North Pole' spruce requires little care once established. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and prevent weed competition.

• Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish the root system.
• Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Avoid waterlogged soil, as it can lead to root problems.

• Full sun is ideal for the healthiest growth and the most vibrant needle color.
• It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, though it can tolerate partial shade in hot climates.

Foliage Harvesting:

Purpose: Used in holiday arrangements, wreaths, winter centerpieces, or seasonal decor.

Best Time to Harvest:

• Late fall to early winter, when needles are fully mature and color is stable.
  

How to Harvest:

Use clean, sharp pruners to snip small, healthy branch tips.

Select outer, young growth for flexibility and fresh color.

Avoid cutting into older wood, as spruce does not regenerate well from deep cuts.

• Storage Tips:
  
• Keep in cool, shaded conditions before use.
  
• Mist lightly to maintain needle moisture if stored indoors.
  
  

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth. Alternatively, an annual application of compost or organic mulch can help maintain soil fertility.

• Pests & Diseases: Picea glauca is generally pest- and disease-resistant but may occasionally suffer from spruce spider mites or needle cast disease. Regular inspection and proper air circulation can help prevent these issues.
• Cold Tolerance: This tree is exceptionally cold-hardy and can withstand harsh winter conditions, making it suitable for northern climates.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, North Pole spruce is fairly drought-tolerant, though it will thrive best with consistent moisture in hot, dry climates

Cones are wind-pollinated, though the tree does not rely heavily on pollinators for its ornamental value.

Perennials:

• Heuchera 'Caramel' or 'Obsidian' – Colorful foliage (gold, burgundy, or purple) provides seasonal contrast.
  
• Hosta varieties – Large leaves add texture and color contrast, ideal in partial shade near the base.
  
• Astilbe – Feathery blooms in pink, red, or white add softness near the dark evergreen.
  
• Nepeta 'Walker's Low' – Lavender-blue blooms and mounded form soften the base.
  
• Echinacea purpurea – Tall flower spikes contrast with the spruce’s vertical form and attract pollinators.
  

Shrubs:

• Spiraea 'Goldmound' or 'Magic Carpet' – Golden foliage and pink blooms contrast well with dark spruce needles.
  
• Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' – Large white flower heads complement the spruce’s verticality.
  
• Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – Dense, evergreen mounds provide balance and symmetry for formal settings.
  
• Rhododendron or Azalea (compact types) – Spring blooms and broadleaf evergreen structure pair well in slightly acidic soils.
  

Grasses and Groundcovers:

• Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue) – Soft blue mounds echo cool tones and contrast texture.
  
• Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' – Variegated, arching blades add brightness and movement.
  
• Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) – Low-growing, fragrant groundcover that fills space at the base attractively.