'Aureospicata' is a spring yellow, its new foliage pushes bright yellow and contrasts beautifully against the older, dark green foliage.

'Skylands' Pushes bright yellow and remains yellow all year. The intensely bright yellow color of the fresh spring foliage does darken somewhat to a golden yellow as the foliage matures.

For example, in January 'Aureospicata' will be green whereas 'Skylands' will be golden yellow.

Will that yellow in Skylands hold even it it is in a more shaded environment?

mark

I believe that the yellow tends to be less intense in shaded conditions - can be more of a lime yellow than lemon yellow - depending on how much shade. More sun = more bright yellow. I can't tell you what the fine line between great color and some sun burn might be though. Even here, in full sun they can burn just a little on the tops of the branches, but overall it really isn't noticeable and once established, they no longer seem to sunburn here (or if they do its in the upper branches receiving the most sun and I can't see it).

after 12 years.. from a one gallon.. my skylands.. is 3 feet tall .... and a registered PITA ...

and my aureospic is going on 25 feet tall ... with a 12 foot circle footprint.. do you have space for this ...???

the former grows.. at best.. under a foot per year [not mine!!!].. the latter... upwards of 1.5 to 3 feet per year ...

as to size.. you are comparing apples and oranges.. and i dont wnat to hear about 10 year estimates... i am sure.. you know what that nonsense is all about ...

hidden lakes has a 40 foot skylands.. and i will hate them until the day i die.. lol ...

heat might be your issue.. night heat for sure.. whatever dave says towards that ...

ken

I have never heard of the aureaspicta growing that fast. Everything I read and have experienced says maybe 9-12" per year and that is what I am getting. I have two, and they are over 10 years old and not even 6' tall yet. Ken, I think you're dreaming again.
I like 10 year estimates because it gives me something to go by.
Ken, take a chill pill.

aw crap.. never mind.. the 100 degree heat got to me this afternoon..

in my minds eye.. i was thinking of Picea abies 'Argenteospicata'

spicata this.. spicata that.. lol

needless to say.. i am embarrassed...

but the info on the hidden lakes skylands is true ...

ken

I thought maybe you had one on steroids.

The Picea orientalis 'Aureospicata' grows as fast as the species.

The cultivar 'Aureospicata Compacta' grows much slower...