Hello friends! Today I will tell you about the relationship between Dwarf Alberta Spruce and the sun.
QUICK ANSWER: In general, Dwarf Alberta Spruce grows well in full sun and, at the same time, can tolerate partial shade. In some cases, it is better to place it in a location where there is direct sunlight only in the first half of the day.
The right sun exposure
The right sun exposure for Dwarf Alberta Spruce is full sun. In full sun, the crown will be very dense and lush. In addition, the needles will be deep green and more abundant.
In partial sun, this spruce can also grow well. This is especially true for warmer climates, such as zone 7. Here, it is better to plant Dwarf Alberta Spruce in partial sun so that it will be more comfortable.
Too much sun
There are cases where there can be too much sun. This is especially true for newly planted spruces. Until the tree takes root, the sun and dry wind can quickly dehydrate the needles, causing them to fall off.
To avoid this, transplant Dwarf Alberta Spruce only in spring in wet weather. Shade the tree in the first year after planting with a garden umbrella or netting. Also mulch and water the tree regularly. At the end of the season, the shade can be removed.
Winter sun
The next thing that can happen to Dwarf Alberta Spruce is winter sunburn. It also often occurs in late winter or early summer. At this time the ground may not melt yet, but the sun is already shining very hard and the needles can burn.
Young spruces are most susceptible to this, but mature specimens also often get sunburned.
To avoid this, plant the spruce in a place with only half a day of direct sunlight. It should also be protected from strong frosty winds. All these recommendations are especially relevant for zones 3-4.
The second thing you should do is wrap it in a protective material for the winter. There are many good materials for this on the market, make sure the material is air permeable.
Wrap the crown of the spruce from the bottom up. Secure the blanket at the bottom to the trunk and the top with a wire. Avoid wrapping in an airtight material, the tree must breathe. When it gets warmer, the protection can be removed.
Not enough sun
Dwarf Alberta Spruce cannot grow in the full shade because it will not get enough UV light for photosynthesis. As a result, the crown will be very loose. Sooner or later it will die from lack of light.
Also in a dark place, it is usually quite humid. This is an ideal environment for fungal diseases. Spruce depleted of light will be an easy target for fungus.
For Dwarf Alberta Spruce to thrive, provide it with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. This means it can grow in partial shade but not full shade all day.
If you made a mistake earlier and planted Dwarf Alberta Spruce in the shade be sure to move it to a sunnier location. The best time to do this is spring. Be very careful not to damage the roots when digging.
Sun needs for the potted Dwarf Alberta Spruce
If potted spruce is growing in full sun all day, the pot will heat up and the soil in it will dry out quickly. All this will lead to temperature stress which will become noticeable by discoloration of the needles. Also, a potted spruce can easily get sunburned.
Place the spruce in the partial shade. It should get about 6 hours of light in the morning and the rest of the time stay in the shade and receive only reflected sunlight.
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