Description

Picea Fastigiata is a fastigiate (columnar) selection of spruce valued for its upright, space‑saving silhouette and strong central leader. Needles are short, stiff, and deep green to blue‑green, forming dense, layered sprays that read as elegant and tailored in the landscape.

Typically used as a vertical accent or to frame entries and pathways, this conifer offers four‑season structure with minimal pruning. Like most spruces, it is wind‑pollinated and produces small, inconspicuous pollen cones in spring; attractive seed cones may develop with maturity.

Plant Details

Botanical Name

Picea Fastigiata

Common Name

Picea Fastigiata

Size & Growth

Narrow columnar tree to about 30–40 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide at maturity; dense with a strong central leader.

Typical juvenile growth 8–12 in per year in good conditions.

Hardiness Zones

USDA Zones 3–7 (cold hardy; heat tolerance varies by site and moisture).

Foliage Type

Evergreen conifer; short, stiff, four‑sided needles, deep green to blue‑green.

Bloom Time

Spring (inconspicuous pollen cones); seed cones may mature by late summer to fall.

Growth Rate

Moderate; about 6–12 in per year depending on climate, soil, and moisture.

Light Requirements

Full sun (6+ hours) for best density; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot summers.

Attracts Pollinators

Not a pollinator plant (wind‑pollinated); provides nesting cover for birds and habitat for beneficials.

Indoor Friendly

No — this is an outdoor landscape tree; requires full sun and seasonal temperature swings.

Container Friendly

Yes, when young in large containers (24 in+); best long‑term performance planted in the ground.

Deer Resistant

Generally deer resistant; deer seldom browse mature needles but may sample tender new growth.

Pet Warning

Non‑toxic to cats and dogs; sharp needles may irritate the mouth if chewed — supervise curious pets.

Fragrant

Mild resinous scent when foliage is bruised; not notably fragrant in the garden.

Cut Flower

Not used as cut flowers; cut boughs are excellent for winter arrangements and holiday décor.

Grows Well With

Juniperus, Pinus mugo, Taxus, Berberis, Spiraea, Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’, Nepeta, and Salvia.

Care Tips

Planting Instructions

Plant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2–3× the width of the root ball and the same depth; set the root flare at grade, backfill with native soil, water to settle, and mulch 2–3 in, keeping mulch off the trunk.

Soil Moisture

Keep evenly moist the first 1–2 growing seasons; once established, tolerates short dry spells but dislikes soggy soils.

Soil Type

Well‑drained loam or sandy loam; slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0). Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay.

Humidity

Adaptable to low–moderate humidity; ensure good air circulation to reduce fungal issues in humid climates.

Pruning Instructions

Minimal pruning needed. Maintain a single central leader; remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. Avoid cutting back into old wood without buds.

Winter Care

Very cold‑hardy. Water deeply before the ground freezes and maintain mulch. In exposed sites, a burlap windbreak for the first 1–2 winters helps prevent desiccation; avoid road‑salt spray.

Planting Depth

Set so the root flare is at or slightly above the finished soil surface. Do not bury the trunk. Container plants should be set at the same depth as in their pot.

Fertilization

Feed lightly in early spring with a slow‑release, balanced conifer fertilizer if soil is poor. In average soils, an annual top‑dress of composted mulch is sufficient. Avoid high‑nitrogen feeds after midsummer.

Special Care

Stake the leader if bent, especially in windy locations. Monitor for spruce spider mites and aphids; rinse foliage during drought to deter mites. Keep a 2–3 in mulch ring and avoid trunk injury.