Bush's Lace Spruce Tree

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

10-15 Feet

Mature Spread

4-6 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

An architectural conifer with couture drape, Bush’s Lace Spruce Tree cascades in silvery blue-green ribbons that look like living lace. Its powder-blue needles cover pendulous branches that hang from a strong central leader, creating a layered skirt as the tree matures. Botanically named Picea engelmannii 'Bush's Lace', this Engelmann spruce selection can reach about 25 feet tall and 6 feet wide over time. We recommend it for entry gardens, conifer collections, and smaller yards where a sculptural evergreen has room to be seen from top to base

This evergreen conifer is native in species to high-elevation areas of western North America, which explains its strong tolerance for cold, wind, and snow. It grows slowly to moderately, with blue-green foliage that commands attention through every season, including winter. Bush’s Lace Spruce Tree also has better tolerance to spruce spider mites than many spruce types and is a smart choice where spruce stress has been an issue. Use it as a specimen near stonework, to frame a tall corner of the home, or as a vertical accent among lower shrubs and perennials.

Bush’s Lace Spruce Tree Care

Plant Bush’s Lace Spruce Tree in full sun to mostly sun for the best color and density. It grows best in deep, loamy, enriched soil that is moist but well drained, and it prefers acidic to neutral soil, roughly pH 6.0–7.0. Avoid low, soggy spots because constantly wet soil can lead to root problems.

Water deeply during the first few growing seasons, keeping the root zone evenly moist rather than wet. Once established, water during extended dry periods when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, and check moisture levels during mild dry stretches in winter when the ground is not frozen. Feed lightly in early spring with an evergreen fertilizer if growth is pale or sparse; in rich soil, little feeding is usually needed.

Pruning should be limited because the natural weeping form is the reason to plant it. Remove dead, weak, or damaged branches as needed, and trim only current-season green growth if a small correction is necessary. Do not cut back into bare old wood, since spruce branches do not reliably regrow from leafless sections.

Bush’s Lace Spruce Tree Spacing

Space Bush’s Lace Spruce Tree at least 6–8 feet from walls, fences, walkways, and nearby shrubs so the lower branches can drape naturally. For a pair at an entry, allow enough width for each tree to mature without the skirts touching hardscape. In containers, use a large 24–30 inch pot only for a young tree, with sharp drainage and closer moisture checks before planting it in the ground. Plant this spruce with spirea for seasonal flowers, weigela for a rounded shrub layer, and sedge at the base for fine-textured contrast.

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