Picea pungens 'Woods#2'

The plant world is full of examples of monstrous plants such as these. It is also full of varieties at the other end of the spectrum – those referred to as “true dwarfs” or even “miniatures” – no less spectacular and awe inspiring than their larger counterparts.

Picea pungens ‘Woods #2’ falls into this “miniature” category.

This wonderful, hardy (zones 3-7) little selection was identified and introduced into the nursery trade by the late Ed Wood, of Aurora Oregon. Ed spent years evaluating various seedlings in search of those few that merited further attention, propagation, and introduction into the trade.
‘Woods #2’, is a tight, mounding bun. It has dark, rich green needles that are accented by brownish white buds. In the spring, the new growth “erupts”, pushing out in adorable little tufts, only ½” to a little over 1” long.

Having exerted itself during this yearly event, ‘Woods #2’ is content to rest and show off each and every day for the rest of the year, in all of its wondrous, colorful, miniature glory, to all those who take the time to admire it for the unique place it occupies in the plant world.

Picea pungens 'Foxtail'

Those in rural areas may have been fortunate enough to have seen a fox running through the fields, veering into the brush in search of dinner, or to hide from the gaze of humans.
Think of the bushy tail of this wiley hunter, waving in the air, as it disappears from view.

Now imagine that same shape, somewhat curved and contorted, covered with beautiful blue needles – the needles longer near the base of the limb, than at the tip, creating a “bushy” look.
This is how Picea pungens ‘Foxtail’ got its name.

‘Foxtail’ will become a slightly open pyramidal tree, reaching a height of approximately 8’-12’ in 10 years, however, the branches will maintain the character of their namesake.

This Colorado spruce variety will survive in cold climates to zone 3, and recent studies in North Carolina, suggest that it may be more heat tolerant than other Colorado spruce.

Picea pungens 'Foxtai'l, with its color and form, is certainly a conversation piece, and makes an attractive, unique centerpiece to the medium or large landscape area.

Picea pungens 'Fastigiate'

If you’ve always loved the color of a Colorado blue spruce but weren’t sure if you had the space, Picea pungens ‘Fastigiate’ is your choice.

The term fastigiate is used often in the gardening world and simply refers to a narrow upright growing habit. That habit is what allows this cultivated variety of Colorado blue spruce to be grown even with limited space.

Colorado blue spruces are one of the most popular landscape plants from zone 2 to zone 7, but the form of ‘Fastigiate’ is not commonly found.

A powdery blue color is what makes this remarkable selection so dynamic, standing like a beacon in the garden even in the depths of winter. When paired with a weeping Japanese maple like Acer palmatum ‘Red Dragon’, a dramatic presentation of contrasting colors is created.