Species Alcock's spruce
 brown stems and short, blue-green, needle-like leaves

Alcock's spruce

Picea alcoquiana 'Howell's Tigertail'

Alcock's spruce (Picea alcoquiana 'Howell's Tigertail') is a medium-sized coniferous evergreen shrub that reaches heights of up to 10 feet. Its sharp, grey-green needles grow in whorls up and down its trunk. It has a unique weeping habit, with pendulous branches growing downward. It can be used as a focal point in gardens and is also an excellent choice for screening and hedges. It is a hardy conifer which requires full sun but can tolerate most soil conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established. This striking ornamental plant adds visual interest to any outdoor space with its dense and graceful foliage.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Alcock’s spruce (Picea alcoquiana 'Howell's Tigertail') requires regular watering during the warmer months of the year, from spring through to summer. During these months, water the plant deeply, and allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Watering once or twice a week should be adequate, but the exact frequency may vary according to the temperature and humidity levels in the environment. Containerized plants may require more frequent watering. During the cooler months of autumn and winter, the plant should be given much less water. Wait until the top 1 inch of soil is dry before watering again.

sunlight

Alcock's spruce (Picea alcoquiana 'Howell's Tigertail') should be grown in a full sun location in order to receive the optimal amount of sunlight. This species enjoys direct sunlight in the morning and afternoon for a minimum of 6 hours each day. Avoid locations which receive too much hot afternoon sun which may cause the tree to become scorched. In more temperate climates, the tree will respond positively to a little more light than the minimum recommended amount.

pruning

Alcock's spruce (Picea alcoquiana 'Howell's Tigertail') should be pruned in mid to late spring after the new growth has emerged. Pruning should only be done once a year to promote shape and maintain the desired size. When pruning, avoid cutting back more than 25% of the foliage. For larger pruning tasks, such as a crown reduction, it is best to spread the task out in a few shorter pruning sessions over the course of 2 to 3 growing seasons. Young plants need not be pruned.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Picea alcoquiana 'Howell's Tigertail' typically starts flowering in late May or early June.

Starts Flowering

Picea alcoquiana 'Howell's Tigertail' typically starts flowering in late May or early June.

Hardiness Map