Caring for a Nest Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)

Caring for a Nest Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) in cold and dry climates involves providing the right conditions to thrive in the region’s cold, dry climate. Nest Spruce is a compact, ornamental evergreen that can tolerate the harsh winters of the area, but it will require some attention to ensure it stays healthy and vibrant. This guide is based on firsthand experience from the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta—a city located in hardiness zone 4B, where winters are cold, and the climate is relatively dry. You can also see Nest Spruce by visiting Nikka Yuko.

Planting Location

• Full Sun: The Nest Spruce thrives in full sun, so choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate light shade, but for the best growth and color, plant it where it gets plenty of sunlight.
• Well-Drained Soil: Nest Spruce prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.5). It’s adaptable to a variety of soil types, but you should avoid heavy, waterlogged soils. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, amend it with organic matter or sand to improve drainage.
• Protection from Strong Winds: Given Lethbridge’s windy conditions, it’s best to plant the Nest Spruce in a location with some wind protection, such as near a fence or wall. Winter winds can cause windburn and dry out the foliage, which is particularly damaging for evergreens.

Soil and Fertilization

In the right conditions, Picea glauca ‘Conica’ will grow two (2) to four (4) inches a year.

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Picea glauca ‘Conica’

Botanical Family: Pinaceae

Sun / Shade:

• Full Sun

Water: Drought tolerant when established. Keep well watered in its first seasons to establish roots

Soil:

• Neutral acidity
• Slightly Acidic
• Well drained

Height:

• Up to 9+ feet (over 3 meters)

Width:

• Up to 4 feet (130cms)

Hardiness Zones:

• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6

Care:

• Easy to Care and Grow

Propagation Method

• Other Cuttings

• Soil Quality: The Nest Spruce is fairly adaptable to various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
• Fertilization: This spruce doesn’t require a lot of fertilizing. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak, soft growth, so use sparingly.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and suppress weeds. Be sure to keep mulch away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup that could lead to rot.

Watering

• Watering Needs: While the Nest Spruce is drought-tolerant once established, it will need regular watering during the first couple of growing seasons to help develop a strong root system. Water deeply when the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface.
• Avoid Overwatering: Ensure the soil drains well, as overwatering or waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, particularly in the winter. It’s better to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Watering Frequency: During hot, dry spells, water the spruce every 7–10 days. During wetter weather, you may not need to water as frequently, but still monitor soil moisture.

Pruning

• Minimal Pruning: The Nest Spruce is a naturally compact, rounded shrub and typically requires very little pruning. However, you can prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as needed, especially in early spring before new growth begins.
• Shaping: If you want to maintain a specific shape or remove wayward branches, prune lightly to preserve the plant’s natural structure. Avoid cutting too much, as pruning too aggressively can affect its shape and overall health.
• Pruning Tips: Do your pruning in early spring before new growth starts, and never cut into old, woody wood, as the spruce may not regenerate from that area.

Winter Care

• Cold Hardiness: The Nest Spruce is hardy to USDA Zones 2-6, which means it can handle the cold winters in Lethbridge, which can reach -20°C to -30°C in January. However, winter sun and wind can cause winter burn on the needles.
• Wind and Sun Protection: To prevent winter burn, you can protect your spruce by wrapping it with burlap or setting up a windbreak during the winter months. This helps protect the foliage from drying out in the winter sun and harsh winds.
• Snow Insulation: Snow can provide natural insulation for the roots, so don’t worry too much if your spruce gets covered in snow. If snow piles up on the branches, gently brush it off to prevent breakage, especially after heavy snowfalls.
• Mulching: Apply extra mulch around the base of the plant in the fall to protect the root system from freezing temperatures.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pest Resistance: The Nest Spruce is generally resistant to pests, but it can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or scale insects. If you notice pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
• Diseases: The spruce is relatively disease-resistant, but fungal issues (such as root rot and needle cast) can occur if the plant is stressed or overwatered. Ensure that your Nest Spruce is in a location with good air circulation and that the soil drains well to avoid moisture buildup.
• Regular Checks: Keep an eye on the health of the plant by checking for yellowing needles, webbing from pests, or other signs of disease. Address any problems early to prevent spread.

General Tips

The Nest Spruce is an exceptional ornamental plant that can be utilized in rock gardens, landscape beds, or as a component of a privacy hedge.

• Companion Planting: The Nest Spruce pairs well with other cold-hardy plants, such as winterberry (Ilex verticillata), heathers, and dwarf conifers.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, the Nest Spruce is relatively low-maintenance. It doesn’t require frequent pruning or fertilizing, and its compact size makes it easy to maintain in a garden setting.
• Planting Distance: Ensure that you space the spruce appropriately from other plants, as it tends to spread slowly but steadily. For a full, healthy look, allow enough room for its natural growth habit.

Conclusion

The Nest Spruce is an ideal evergreen for Lethbridge, as it is both cold-hardy and adaptable to the dry, cold climate of the region. By providing it with full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering during the establishment period, your Nest Spruce will thrive. Its compact form and resistance to pests and diseases make it a great choice for a low-maintenance, year-round addition to your landscape. With a little care in the winter months to protect it from wind and sun, your Nest Spruce will offer beauty and structure to your garden for many years to come.