Bush's Lace Engelmann Spruce

Bush's Lace Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii 'Bush's Lace')

Bush's Lace Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii 'Bush's Lace') is a graceful, weeping conifer known for its soft blue-green foliage and narrow, upright form. This elegant cultivar adds vertical interest and a flowing silhouette to the landscape, making it a refined option for specimen planting in cooler climates.

Distinctive Features

'Bush's Lace' develops a tall, narrow central leader with long, pendulous side branches that cascade downward in lacy layers. Its needles are finely textured and display a powdery blue to silver-blue color, offering year-round visual softness. As it matures, the weeping structure becomes more dramatic, creating a striking silhouette even in winter landscapes.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soils; prefers loamy or sandy conditions
• Water: Moderate; consistent moisture is important during establishment
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Tall weeping form and soft blue color create an elegant visual anchor
• Specimen Planting: Adds vertical drama and softness to gardens and open lawns
• Mixed Conifer Borders: Contrasts beautifully with upright or mounding evergreens
• Naturalistic Landscapes: Flowing form complements informal settings and woodland edges
• Winter Interest: Cascading structure stands out against snow and bare landscapes

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist while roots establish; once mature, tolerates some drought
• Pruning: Minimal; only prune to maintain central leader or remove deadwood
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and protect shallow roots
• Disease Resistance: Generally pest and disease resistant when planted in suitable conditions

Why Choose Bush's Lace Engelmann Spruce?

• Elegant Structure: Graceful weeping habit adds movement and refinement
• Blue Foliage: Soft, powdery color provides contrast in evergreen compositions
• Cold Hardy: Excellent performance in northern climates
• Low Maintenance: Grows with minimal shaping or upkeep
• Focal Point: A sculptural standout that elevates garden design in all seasons

Picea engelmannii 'Bush's Lace' brings a combination of soft color, flowing form, and vertical presence to the landscape, offering a cool-climate specimen tree with lasting impact and refined character.