Picea orientalis 'Skylands' Play pronunciation

'Skylands' is a vigorous, yellow-needled evergreen cultivar of Picea orientalis that matures to a height of 10 to 35 feet tall with a 12 foot spread in 10 years (compared to a 70 foot height of the parent plant). 'Skylands' has an erect, conical to pyramidal habit. If sited in full sun, the exterior needles are bright yellow in the spring. If the tree is sited in the shade, the exterior needles have a more subtle green-yellow color.  As the summer progresses, the needle color fades, however, the interior needles remain green the entire time. The yellow foliage lasts through the first few years of growth; the leaves turn darker green in their second or third year. In hot climates like the south, needles can burn in the full sun. Showy red pollen cones appear in the spring and are attractive against the yellow needles. 

'Skylands' does best in rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It will tolerate some poor soils including rocky ones and is drought tolerant once established. However, the soil should not be allowed to dry out in the early years. It can struggle to be successful in the heat and humidity of the deep South and needs some protection from strong winter winds in colder climates. Cold may cause the needles to turn brown.

'Skylands' makes an excellent accent or specimen plant providing great winter interest in the landscape.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

Potential problems include needle cast, cankers, bagworms, and mites.

More information on Picea orientalis.