Variegated Black Spruce

Variegated black spruce is a slow-growing evergreen conifer selected for golden-yellow tips on its newest needles. The young growth gives the narrow, conical tree a bright seasonal contrast against its darker green foliage. [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/picea-mariana-aureovariegata) identifies the plant as Picea mariana ‘Aureovariegata’, describes the gold-colored new growth, and gives hardiness zone 3. The [American Conifer Society](https://conifersociety.org/conifers/picea-mariana-aureovariegata/) also describes a conical habit and notes that mature size varies; the name has sometimes been confused with the different Picea glauca ‘Aurea’. The recorded 9 m height and 3.5 m spread are retained as garden-size estimates, since published sizes depend on age and conditions. Grow it in sun or light shade where the soil drains well. Its evergreen form provides year-round structure, with the brightest color appearing on new growth. ## Maintenance Water regularly while establishing and during extended dry spells. Keep the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged, and avoid pruning into bare older wood.