Can't grow 2x2 spruce trees

I cannot force 2x2 spruce trees to grow with bonemeal in certain locations, neither can I let it grow naturally.

EDIT: It seems like it works like this in certain biomes and won't in other biomes. Will update when I got a more complete list.
EDIT again: A few biomes it certainly affects:
-Snowy Mountains
-Snowy Tundra
-Snowy Taiga
-Plains
-Sunflower Plains
-Mountains

Steps to reproduce:

1. Place 2x2 spruce saplings

2. Bonemeal it

3. Notice it: a) won't grow, or b) will grow

4. In case of b, try again on another location.

Here is a video showcasing it, in case it wasn't clear yet: https://youtu.be/Wm7MCeb0cHE