About
Picea asperata, the dragon spruce, is a conical or columnar coniferous tree to 25 m with dark-green or blue-green, needle-like leaves about 2 cm long � stiff and upward-pointing. The green then light-brown, cylindrical, female cones can be up to 15 cm long. A handsome and architectural conifer for a sheltered, sunny garden.
About the genus
Picea, the spruces, are evergreen trees with rigid, needle-like leaves arranged singly all round the shoots and narrow, leathery-scaled cones borne near the ends of the shoots. A large genus of ornamental conifers ranging from large trees to compact dwarf cultivars.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toW China
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil. Will tolerate alkaline soils. Shelter from cold, drying winds. See conifer cultivation for more advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to adelgids, red spider mite and conifer aphid
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus