Picea bicolor Howells Dwarf Tigertail

Dwarf Tigertail Spruce

Howell’s Dwarf Spruce (Picea alcoquiana ‘Howell’s Dwarf’, also listed as Picea bicolor) combines green needle tops with bright silver-blue undersides. Sun-exposed foliage can show a yellow tint, creating several shades within the same branch.

The young plant spreads into a broad, flat-topped shrub. Upright shoots may later form a leader and give it a pyramidal outline. Selective removal of those shoots can preserve the lower shape; left to develop naturally, it needs more vertical room.

Plant in sun and provide well-drained soil. Check soil moisture during establishment and water deeply when the root zone begins to dry.

Approximate garden size
• Width: 12 ft; larger with age
• Height: 6 ft; larger with age

Hardiness
• Hardy to USDA Zone 5; upper limit varies with climate

Best Uses
• Specimen
• Accent Plant
• Border

Plant type

Conifer, Evergreen Tree

Height

6 ft+

Width

12 ft+

Hardiness zones

5–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Does not flower

Flower color

None

Leaf color

Blue-green, Green, Silver

Fall color

Blue-green, Green, Silver

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Spreading

Fruit

No

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No