Fat Albert Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea Pungens) - 2 Gallon Pot
$69.98
Sale price
$69.98
Regular price
$77.00
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Fat Albert Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea Pungens) - 2 Gallon Pot
$69.98
Sale price
$69.98
Regular price
$77.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Description
Fat Albert Colorado Blue Spruce
Picea pungens 'Fat Albert'
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 2a-8b (Cool-Summer Climates); 2a-7b (Hot-Summer Climates) Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Coniferous Evergreen Shrub
Height at Maturity: 10' at 10 years of age; 15-20' at maturity depending on location
Width at Maturity: 6-7' at 10 years of age; 10-15' at maturity depending on location
Spacing: Best as a specimen or in groupings 15 feet or more apart
Spacing: Best as a specimen or in groupings 15 feet or more apart
Growth Habit / Form: Broad, Pyramid
Growth Rate: Moderate, 12-15 inches per year
Foliage Color: Steel Blue
Fragrant Foliage: Yes
Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Filtered Afternoon Sun in hot climates of Zones 7 and 8
Water Needs: Average, low when established
Soil Type: Clay (well-drained), Loam, Sandy, Silt
Soil Drainage: Moist to Lightly Moist but Well Drained
Soil pH: 5.0 - 7.5 (Acid to Neutral)
Maintenance / Care: Very Low
Attracts: Visual Attention
Resistances: Cold Temperatures (-50F), Deer, Disease, Drought (when established), Insect
Description
Named after Fat Albert of the Fat Albert & The Cosby Kids tv show that aired during the 1970s and 80s, the 'Fat Albert' Colorado Blue Spruce was introduced in the 1970s as well, and has stood the test of time for very good reasons. Its dense, ascending branches are clothed in brilliant steel blue needles on a dense, broad, pyramidal form. It adds about a foot or so of new growth per year eventually reaching 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide depending on location and climate. It its native Colorado habitat it might grow larger. Extremely tough, the foliage is resistant to winter burn down to -40F and maintenance is minimal to none. The more wind and/or cold this one gets the better it does! Drought tolerant and very easy to grow in a sunny to lightly shaded environment, Fat Albert is one of those special focal point plants in the landscape with a name and look that's sure to make it a conversation piece. Excellent as an outdoor living Christmas tree!
Landscape & Garden Uses
Adding 12 inches or so in size per year ultimately reaching around 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide over time, the Fat Albert Colorado Blue Spruce is ideal for use as a focal point specimen in medium to large landscape spaces, conifer or rock gardens and large containers. Excellent for framing the corners of homes and buildings and structures. A fine addition to conifer gardens, rock gardens, alpine gardens, blue theme gardens, and the Xeriscape (low water needs).
Suggested Spacing: 15 feet or more apart in spaced groupings
Growing Preferences
The Fat Albert Colorado Blue Spruce is easy to grow in a damp to moist but well-drained soil of average fertility. As with so many other conifers, constantly soggy or wet soils can lead to root rot or other harmful plant diseases. So make sure to plant this one in well-drained soil. Established plants have good drought tolerance. It grows best in full sun however in Zones 7 and 8, where summers are really hot, it will prefer some shade or filtered sun during the middle of the afternoon. Once established water needs are quite low when growing in the ground. In pots, soil moisture will need to be monitored more closely, especially during summer. When the top two inches of soil is dry, provide water.
Note: Find helpful advice from our experts under the Planting & Care tab above on desktop monitors or below on mobile devices.
Plant Long & Prosper!
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Care
To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.
Design
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