Picea glauca Rainbow's End®
Overview
Uses: Specimen accents, foundation plantings, rock gardens, mixed conifer beds, container plantings, entryway displays.
Benefits: A compact Alberta Spruce with a dramatic midsummer color show — a second flush of bright lemon-yellow new growth emerges against the dark green interior foliage, creating vivid two-tone contrast without any flowers.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Life Cycle: Coniferous Shrub
Growth Habit: Pyramidal — dense, conical form with uniform branching.
Foliage Color: Green, Golden Yellow in midsummer
Mature Height: 5–7 ft.
Mature Width: 2–3 ft.
Growth Rate: Slow
Summary
Most dwarf conifers earn their place through form and reliability alone. Rainbow's End® earns it through color. In midsummer, when the garden is already green on green, this compact Alberta Spruce pushes a second flush of bright lemon-yellow new growth that lights up the tips of every branch — a striking contrast against the darker interior foliage that looks almost like the plant has been decorated.
The spring flush emerges light green, typical of the species. It is the second flush, arriving in mid to late summer, that sets Rainbow's End® apart from every other Alberta Spruce selection. The yellow color holds for several weeks before gradually maturing to green, giving the plant a long window of two-tone interest during a season when most conifers offer little change.
In form, it mirrors the classic Alberta Spruce cone — dense, symmetrical, fine-textured — but stays somewhat smaller at maturity than 'Conica,' topping out around 5 to 7 feet. Growth is slow at 3 to 4 inches per year, so it holds its scale in foundation plantings, containers, and small garden spaces for many years. Deer leave it alone, and it tolerates cold and wind well within its zone range.
Care
Rainbow's End® Alberta Spruce Care
Plant in full sun to partial sun. Full sun produces the most intense yellow coloring on the summer flush, while light afternoon shade is tolerated in warmer climates. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to reduce spider mite pressure — avoid planting tight against walls or in stagnant air pockets.
Soil should be moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral. Consistent moisture supports healthy growth and helps the plant resist mite infestations. Water regularly through the first growing season and continue to provide supplemental irrigation during dry periods, especially in summer when the second flush is developing.
A spring application of slow release fertilizer supports vigorous foliage production and strong color. Pruning is typically unnecessary, though reversion shoots (branches reverting to full-sized White Spruce growth) should be removed promptly at their base if they appear.
Size
What Size is the Rainbow's End® Alberta Spruce for Sale Online?
Our Rainbow's End® Alberta Spruce ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Rainbow's End® Alberta Spruce Grow?
At maturity, Rainbow's End® reaches 5 to 7 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Growth rate is approximately 3 to 4 inches per year, keeping the plant in scale for many years in foundation and container settings.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly known as Rainbow's End Alberta Spruce or Rainbow's End Dwarf Spruce. It is a selected mutation of the Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica').
Is Rainbow's End® Alberta Spruce native to North America?
Rainbow's End® is a nativar selection of Picea glauca, a species native to Canada and the northern United States. This cultivar was discovered as a color mutation at Iseli Nursery in Oregon in 1978 and was selected for its distinctive yellow summer foliage flush.
How does Rainbow's End® differ from standard Dwarf Alberta Spruce?
The primary difference is the midsummer color display. Standard 'Conica' maintains uniform green foliage year-round, while Rainbow's End® produces a second flush of bright lemon-yellow new growth in mid to late summer. In size and form, both are similar dense pyramids, though Rainbow's End® tends to stay a bit smaller at maturity. Both work well in our evergreen plants collection settings.
Is Rainbow's End® Alberta Spruce deer resistant?
Yes. Like standard Alberta Spruce, deer generally avoid this cultivar. Spider mites are a more common concern — good air circulation and consistent moisture are the best preventive measures. For more browse-resistant options, explore our deer-resistant shrubs and evergreens collection.
