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Picea pungens 'Fat Albert'

Phonetic Spelling
PY-see--uh PUN-jenz FA-T Ål-bér-it
Description

'Fat Albert' is a cutting produced clone.  It is noted for its dense, broad upright pyramdal shape (a perfect cone), closely spaced ascending branches and steel blue needle color.  Established plants have some drought tolerance, however, the soil should be kept consistently moist in the early years. This shrub prefers cool and moist climates and will struggle in the heat and humidity of some southern states. They are typically found in elevations from 6000 feet to 11000 feet.  Where it grows naturally, it can reach heights of up to 100 feet.

'Fat Albert' which is non-flowering, has oblong green 2" to 4" cones when young.  As the shrub matures the cones turn light brown.

This plant is susceptible to needle cast, canker, and rust. Aphids (particularly spruce gall aphids), scale, budworms, and bagworms can also be an issue. Spider mite invasions can cause significant problems with new growth and overall tree health.

 

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Picea pungens.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscapes:
Mountain Ridge Top Garden - North Lawn and Upper Drive Border Mountain Ridge Top Garden - East Lawn and Lower Drive Border
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#specimen#conifer#winter interest#rabbit resistant#air pollution tolerant#deer resistant#foundation planting#border planting#small group plantings
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#specimen#conifer#winter interest#rabbit resistant#air pollution tolerant#deer resistant#foundation planting#border planting#small group plantings
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Picea
    Species:
    pungens
    Family:
    Pinaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Dimensions:
    Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 7 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Horizontal
    Pyramidal
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Flower Size:
    3-6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Greenish oblong cones, maturing to brown
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Leaf Feel:
    Prickly
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Steel blue needles
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Gray
    Bark Description:
    Dark gray bark furrown on mature trees
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Meadow
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Rabbits