Gold Drift Weeping Norway SpruceYel HW6Fx3F Picea abies
 
A dwarf evergreen conifer with a weeping form. Can be grown as a groundcover or staked into a small weeping tree. Needles are butter-yellow. Prefers sun/partial shade in well-drained soil. If staked, 6' tall x 3' wide in 10 years. Hardy to -50 degrees. USDA zone 2.  *Note: Large Item Freight and Logistics considerations may apply to this item
 
American Conifer Society Attributes:
Picea abies 'Gold Drift' / Gold Drift Norway spruce
RECOMMENDED HARDINESS ZONES:
4 (-20 to -30 F / -28.9 to -34.4 C)
HORTICULTURAL STATUS: Established
COLOR: Yellow or Gold 
TRINOMIAL TYPE: Cultivar
GROWTH SHAPE: Upright Weeping
GROWTH SIZE: Large: greater than 12 inches (30 cm) per year / greater than 12 feet (4 m) after 10 years
 
Picea abies 'Gold Drift' / Gold Drift Norway spruce
In the words of legendary plantsman and ACS founder, Bob Fincham, Picea abies'Gold Drift' is "unlike anything currently available anywhere." This selection is a golden version of Picea abies 'Reflexa' in that, typical of that cultivar, 'Gold Drift' is a strict-weeping, fast growing spruce that will grow skyward if staked while young or will ramble if left on on the ground. After 10 years, a mature specimen will be 12 to 15 feet (4 - 5 m) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) wide (if staked), suggesting an annual rate of growth of 12 inches (30 cm) or more.
 
Origin:
This cultivar originated as a golden sport on a specimen of P. abies 'Inversa' found by Bob Finchamin 1990 at Coenosium Gardens, his personal arboretum and former nursery in Eatonville, Washington. Experience has proven that this plant is not ideal for all parts of the country. For example in the southeastern U.S. the sunlight lacks the intensity to bring out proper color. In the western states, on the other hand, the intensity of the sun gives it a propensity to burn when young, a tendency that decreases with age. 'Gold Drift' was one of three plants selected in 2013 for inclusion into the ACS Collectors' Conifer of the Year Program.