Plant Care Instructions

Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica')

Light:

  • Full Sun to Partial Shade: Dwarf Alberta Spruce thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours per day). However, in the hot, dry climate of Colorado, some afternoon shade might benefit the tree, particularly during summer to prevent needle burn.

Watering:

  • Regular Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During the growing season (spring to fall), water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. In winter, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy.

  • Winter Care: Ensure the soil doesn’t dry out completely during winter, but avoid overwatering, as the plant is less active during this period.

Soil:

  • Well-Draining Soil: The Dwarf Alberta Spruce needs good drainage to avoid root rot. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, make sure to provide adequate drainage or repot it into a container with proper drainage.

  • Acidic Soil: This tree prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). If the soil is too alkaline, it can affect the tree’s health.

Winter Care:

  • Protection from Winter Winds: Colorado winters can be very dry, so it’s essential to protect your Dwarf Alberta Spruce from drying winds. Wrap the pot with burlap or a protective material to shield it from cold winds, especially if it’s exposed to the west side.

  • Mulching: Mulch around the base of the tree in winter to keep the soil temperature stable and protect the roots from freezing.

  • Snow Load: Shake off heavy snow from the branches during winter to prevent damage to the plant’s structure.

Wichita Blue Upright Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum 'Wichita Blue')

Light:

  • Full Sun: The Wichita Blue Juniper prefers full sun, which helps maintain its bright blue color and overall health. Ensure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Watering:

  • Low to Moderate Watering: Junipers are drought-tolerant once established, but while the tree is young or newly planted, regular watering is important. Water the tree deeply once a week in the summer, ensuring that the water reaches the root zone. In winter, reduce watering, as the tree’s water needs decrease.

  • Well-Drained Soil: Junipers are very sensitive to root rot in soggy conditions, so make sure the soil drains well. A pot with drainage holes is essential.

Soil:

  • Well-Draining, Sandy Soil: Junipers like dry, sandy, or rocky soil. They do best in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0).

Winter Care:

  • Protection from Winter Winds: Like the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, the Wichita Blue Juniper is vulnerable to drying winter winds. Wrap the pot with burlap to help protect the roots and prevent dehydration.

  • Snow Load: Shake off heavy snow to avoid limb breakage.

Pruning:

  • Minimal Pruning: Junipers naturally maintain their shape and need very little pruning. Prune only to remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid cutting into the old wood, as the tree won’t regrow from those areas.

Taunton Yew (Taxus baccata 'Tauntonii')

Light:

  • Partial Shade to Full Shade: Unlike the Dwarf Alberta Spruce and Wichita Blue Juniper, Taunton Yews can tolerate more shade, making them an excellent choice for areas that receive morning sun or dappled light throughout the day.

Watering:

  • Regular Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the Taunton Yew regularly during the growing season (spring to fall), especially in the heat of summer. Yews are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but they still benefit from regular moisture during dry spells.

  • Reduce Watering in Winter: Since the plant is evergreen, it will need some water during the winter months, but reduce watering frequency to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

Soil:

  • Well-Draining Soil: Taunton Yews prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0 to 6.5). Ensure the pot has proper drainage to avoid root rot.

Winter Care:

  • Protection from Wind and Cold: While the Taunton Yew is hardy to Colorado winters, its pot can freeze. Protect the root system by wrapping the pot in burlap or insulating material.

  • Snow Load: Gently brush off heavy snow from the branches to prevent damage to the plant.

Pruning:

  • Light Pruning: Taunton Yews can tolerate heavy pruning, but minimal trimming is usually needed unless you want to shape the plant. They can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

General Outdoor Potted Plant Care for Colorado:

  • Pots: Ensure your pots are large enough to accommodate the root systems of these trees and have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Consider using heavy-duty, frost-resistant pots, as freezing temperatures can cause ceramic or clay pots to crack.

  • Winter Protection: The winters in Colorado can be harsh, with fluctuating temperatures. When the temperatures dip below freezing, move your potted trees to a more sheltered location (like a porch or patio), or wrap them with burlap or a frost blanket to protect from frost damage. You can also bury the pot into the ground or place it in a sheltered spot to help protect the roots.

  • Mulching: In winter, mulching around the base of your trees (not directly against the trunk) helps insulate the roots from extreme cold and keeps moisture in the soil. Use an organic mulch like wood chips or bark.

  • Repotting: Over time, these trees may outgrow their pots. Every 2-3 years, check the roots and consider repotting into a larger container to allow for continued growth.