Bush's Lace Spruce Tree

Bush's Lace Spruce grows best in USDA zones 3-8 in full to part sun. It prefers a moist but well-draining soil and resents heavy, soggy ground, so choose a site that drains freely and gets at least a half day of direct light for the densest, most colorful growth.

Planting

1. Pick a spot with full to part sun and good air circulation; more sun yields tighter, bluer foliage.
2. Confirm the soil drains well. On heavy clay, amend with compost or plant on a slight mound to keep roots from sitting in water.
3. Dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball is tall.
4. Set the tree so the root flare (where the trunk widens into the roots) sits right at or just above grade. Never bury the flare.
5. Backfill with the native soil, firm gently to remove air pockets, and water in deeply to settle the roots.
6. Apply a 2-3 in. layer of mulch over the root zone, pulled back a few inches from the trunk to prevent rot.
7. Spacing for a row: given its narrow 4-6 ft. mature width, space plants about 3-4 ft. apart center-to-center for a continuous evergreen accent line, or further apart if you want each weeping specimen to stand on its own.

Care & maintenance

• Water. Water deeply and regularly through the first one to two growing seasons while roots establish. As an evergreen, it also needs moisture during dry spells in fall and early winter to prevent needle desiccation; water before the ground freezes.
• Feed. Apply a light, slow-release evergreen or conifer fertilizer once in early spring. Spruce are not heavy feeders, so avoid overfeeding.
• Light. Full to part sun. The more direct light it receives, the denser and bluer the foliage.
• Prune. Very little pruning is needed; this spruce is grown for its natural weeping form. If you must shape it, trim only the green outer growth in spring or early summer. Like all needled spruce, it will not regrow from bare or brown old wood, so never cut back into leafless interior branches.
• Spacing. For an accent row, keep plants roughly 3-4 ft. apart; for individual specimens, give each its full 4-6 ft. of room.
• Pests & disease. Watch for spider mites in hot, dry weather (look for stippled, dulling needles and fine webbing) and for needle cast fungal diseases in wet seasons. Good air circulation and adequate water are the best prevention; rinse foliage to discourage mites.
• Winter care. In cold zones, gently brush heavy snow from the branches to prevent the weeping limbs from breaking under load.

How tall and wide will Bush's Lace Spruce get?

Expect a mature height of about 10-15 ft. with a narrow spread of just 4-6 ft. Its upright, weeping habit keeps it taller than it is wide, which is why it works so well in smaller landscapes where a standard spruce would be too broad.

How fast does it grow?

Slowly. Bush's Lace is a slow grower, typically adding only a few inches of height per year. That patience is part of the appeal: it holds its elegant form for a long time and rarely outgrows its space, but plan to enjoy it as a long-term specimen rather than a quick-fill plant.

Is it evergreen year-round?

Yes. As a true spruce it keeps its blue-green needles in every season, providing color and structure all winter. Some shedding of the oldest interior needles is normal over time and is not a sign of trouble.

Is it deer resistant?

Generally yes. Spruce, including Engelmann spruce, are among the more deer-resistant evergreens thanks to their stiff, prickly needles. Deer tend to leave them alone, especially compared to arborvitae. In areas of very heavy browse pressure, no plant is completely deer-proof, but this one is a reliable choice.

Does it grow in sun or shade?

Full to part sun is best. It will tolerate some afternoon shade, but the more direct light it gets, the denser the branching and the more vivid the blue-green color. Deep shade leads to thin, open growth.

Why is my spruce turning brown?

Browning usually points to one of a few causes:

• Drought or winter desiccation: dry soil in summer or a hard, dry winter can scorch needles. Water deeply, including before the ground freezes.
• Spider mites: hot, dry weather brings mites that cause stippled, dull, browning needles and fine webbing. Rinse the foliage and treat if needed.
• Needle cast: a fungal issue in wet conditions; improve air circulation around the plant.
• Normal inner-needle drop: older needles closest to the trunk naturally yellow and shed, which is nothing to worry about.

Remember that spruce do not resprout from bare wood, so never shear browned branches back into leafless areas; trim only into living, needled growth.