The needles of the golden Caucasian spruce emerge vivid yellow — then, gradually, they become softly gilded. (Richie Steffen)

The needles of the golden Caucasian spruce emerge vivid yellow — then, gradually, they become softly gilded. (Richie Steffen)

Great Plant Pick: Picea orientalis ‘Skylands,’ golden Caucasian spruce

This tree’s needles emerge vivid yellow; then, gradually, the striking conifer becomes softly gilded.

What: A golden beauty, Picea orientalis “Skylands” will shimmer in the large garden and be a beacon to draw one toward it. In spring the evergreen needles emerge vivid yellow; then, gradually, this striking conifer becomes softly gilded for the remainder of the year. Although this upright, pyramidal spruce tends to grow a tad more slowly in its youth than the species, it will eventually reach 35 or so feet in height.

Where: A site with full sun is best for this golden Caucasian spruce, although light shade is OK. Any soil is fine, as long as it is well-drained. Once established, this conifer is drought tolerant.

Size: The evergreen grows to be 35 feet tall and 6 feet wide when mature.

Care: Little to no pruning is required for this tree.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Paeonia Itoh Hybrids "Lolliepop" in the spring garden
Bushy with big blooms, Itohs blend the best of herbaceous, tree peonies

A bit spendy, this sought-after hybrid, with its multi-colored flowers and lush foliage, offers plenty of bang for your buck.

Gnomes, per lore, are more than garden decor. This guy’s ready to travel.

In fact, his atypical attributes — a blue cap and total lack of garden tools — make this pottery gnome all the more valuable.

Primula denticulata is native to the Himalaya Mountains of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet, Burma, and China. The habitat is wet meadows from 5,000 feet to 14,500 feet. (Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks)
Great Plant Pick: Drumstick primrose

What: This primrose, also known as Primula denticulata, is quite like a… Continue reading

How to save water both inside and — with summer coming — outside your house

It’s always a good idea to limit your water usage, but it is especially important now, amid a statewide drought.

Spring cleaning shouldn’t hurt our planet. Here’s how you can clean green

From baking soda and dryer balls to recycling and composting, it’s easy to get the job done without creating waste.

Road Scholar downgrades traveler from business to economy

While booking Maureen Kelleher on a different airline, British Airways also downgraded her. Is she entitled to a refund?

With history, markets and beer, life is good in Germany’s biggest village

Walking through Munich, you’ll understand why it is consistently voted one of Germany’s most livable cities.

What should parents do about a noisy child disturbing others in public?

Although there’s no single right answer, here are some guidelines parents might consider when out with their youngsters.

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

A Beatles tribute band will rock Everett on Friday, and the annual Whidbey Art Market will held in Coupeville on Mother’s Day.

People parading marching down First Street with a giant balloon “PRIDE” during Snohomish’s inaugural Pride celebration on Saturday, June 3, 2023, in downtown Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
What does Pride mean to you? The Herald wants to know.

Local LGBTQ+ folks and allies can share what Pride means to them before May 27.

Great Plant Pick: Pond cypress

What: This selection of pond cypress (Taxodium distichum var. imbricatum ‘Nutans’) is… Continue reading

From lilacs to peonies, pretty flowers make the perfect Mother’s Day gift

Carnations may be the official Mother’s Day flower, but many others will also make Mom smile. Here are a few bright ideas.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.