Christina Columnar Spruce is primarily valued in the landscape for its rigidly columnar form. It has rich green evergreen foliage which emerges lime green in spring. The needles remain green throughout the winter.
Christina Columnar Spruce is an open evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Christina Columnar Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Christina Columnar Spruce will grow to be about 35 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.
This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
| Botanical Name | Picea abies 'Christina' |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | tree |
| Botanical Classification | tree |
| Height | 35 feet |
| Spread | 8 feet |
| Growth Rate | slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 3a |
| Sunlight | full sun to partial shade |
| Moisture | average to moist |
| Foliage Color | green |