For about two weeks in spring, deep red new growth gives this uncommon cultivar a surprising look for a spruce. Gradually, the foliage changes to reddish-brown and then to green. Although it grows less quickly than the species, Picea abies ‘Rubra Spicata’ eventually becomes a large tree with an open habit. Found in Czechoslovakia in 1973, propagated in England, and introduced to the United States in 1981. Mature size: 25’H x 15’W Zone 3