Fat Albert Spruce

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Size
Regular price $218.00

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Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Fat Albert Spruce is a striking blue evergreen known for its densely branched, perfectly pyramidal shape and vibrant steel-blue needles. This slow-growing spruce brings bold color and structure to the landscape year-round and makes an excellent statement tree for front yards, foundation plantings, and mixed conifer gardens. Cold-hardy, durable, and naturally tidy, the Fat Albert Spruce delivers long-lasting beauty with minimal maintenance.

  • Botanical name: Picea pungens ‘Fat Albert’
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Full sun

WATER:
Water deeply once per week during the first 1–2 growing seasons. After establishment, water every 2–3 weeks depending on rainfall, heat, and soil moisture. Avoid soggy or poorly drained soil — spruces prefer to dry slightly between waterings

LEVEL OF CARE: EASY
Very low maintenance once established

PET-FRIENDLY?:
Generally safe around pets

Note: Fat Albert Spruce keeps its bold blue needles all year long, with the brightest color showing when planted in full sun. Expect a naturally broad pyramid shape without the need for much pruning.

This variety grows slowly and steadily — normal for a long-lived conifer. Over time, it becomes a strong, architectural centerpiece in the landscape.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Fat Albert Spruce is a bold, show-stopping evergreen known for its perfectly symmetrical pyramidal form and striking steel-blue needles. Dense, slow-growing, and naturally tidy, this spruce makes a stunning focal point in front yards, entryway plantings, or mixed conifer gardens. With year-round color and impressive cold tolerance, the Fat Albert Spruce offers long-lasting beauty with very little maintenance.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Slow growth rate; reaches a mature height of 10-15 ft and mature width of 10–20 ft (broad, dense form). Can eventually reach 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide overtime in the most ideal conditions.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply once per week during the first 1–2 years to establish strong root systems. After establishment, water every 2–3 weeks, especially during hot or dry periods. Avoid standing water and overly saturated soils — spruces prefer to dry slightly between deep soakings. Fat Albert Spruce grows best in full sun — at least 6 hours daily — to maintain its dense structure and vibrant blue color. Too much shade can reduce color intensity and cause thinning.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Minimal pruning required. Only remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy shaping — the Fat Albert naturally maintains its classic broad pyramid form.

FERTILIZING:
Feed once in early spring with a balanced slow-release evergreen fertilizer. Rich soil may require no added fertilizer. A 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Extremely winter-hardy and usually needs no special protection. Mulch the base in fall to shield shallow roots and provide moisture retention. Water occasionally during extended dry spells when the ground is not frozen.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and only as deep as the soil line. Position the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with the ground and gently loosen any compacted roots before backfilling. Fill the hole with native soil, water thoroughly, and apply mulch in a wide ring around the base — keeping mulch from touching the trunk. Continue weekly deep watering during the first growing season to establish healthy roots.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 2-7

Well-suited for cold northern and mountain climates, the Fat Albert Spruce thrives in areas with freezing winters and cool summers. It handles snow, ice, and wind with ease and maintains its rich blue coloration all year long. In warmer or humid regions, the tree may need afternoon shade and extra watering to manage heat stress. It prefers well-draining soil and is highly adaptable once established.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Fat Albert Spruce typically grows 10-15 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide in 10 years, forming a broad, pyramidal shape. Eventually can grow to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide in the most ideal conditions.

This is a slow-growing tree, adding about 6–12 inches of new growth per year once established.

Plant in full sun in well-draining soil. Choose a spot with plenty of open space for the natural pyramidal form to develop without crowding nearby plants or structures.

Plant at least 10–20 feet away from homes, fences, or driveways to allow room for future width and airflow.

Space 12–15 feet apart if planting as individual specimens. For a denser row or windbreak, spacing can be reduced slightly depending on desired fullness.

Yes—this spruce is known for its vibrant blue foliage. Color is strongest in full sun and may lean more green-blue in partial shade or heavy summer heat.

It can adapt to clay soils if drainage is improved. Avoid planting in areas where water pools or soil stays wet for long periods.

Yes—its stiff, sharp needles generally deter deer browsing, though no plant is completely deer-proof.

The Fat Albert Spruce grows into a broader, more pyramidal shape with a dense, compact habit and often matures larger overtime. Baby Blue Spruce stays narrower and more columnar with tighter branching and sometimes slightly brighter blue needle color. Both keep their color year-round and grow slowly, but Fat Albert tends to be taller, fuller and wider, while Baby Blue is more slender and shorter.

Fat Albert Spruce grows slowly, so it typically takes 10–15 years to reach its full visual impact in the landscape. While it continues growing throughout its life, you can expect a strong, well-shaped tree by year 8–10, with gradual height and width increase over the decades. Eventually the Fat Albert Spruce can reach up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide in the most ideal conditions.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.