Overview
Picea crassifolia is a bushy conifers in the genus Picea, part of the Pinaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Picea crassifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock garden, city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden and patio and container plants.
About
Picea crassifolia, the Qinghai spruce, is a species of conifer in the family Pinaceae. It is found only in northwestern China, in the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, and Inner Mongolia. It is an evergreen tree growing to 20–25 metres tall, with glaucous grey-green needles 12–22 mm long (but up to 35 mm in some cultivated plants) with a rhombic cross-section, not flattened. The cones are 5–11 cm long, with rounded scales. It is native to China North-Central, Inner Mongolia and Qinghai. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include rock garden, city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden and patio and container plants. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil. Stake young.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Picea crassifolia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Picea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Picea crassifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Picea crassifolia
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to adelgids, red spider mite and conifer aphid
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Picea crassifolia?
Picea crassifolia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Picea crassifolia need?
Picea crassifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Picea crassifolia hardy in the UK?
Picea crassifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Picea crassifolia?
Propagate by grafting or semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Picea genus
- Picea abies 'Ceejay's Gem'
- Picea abies 'Cincinnata'Norway spruce 'Cincinnata'
- Picea abies 'Gold Nugget'
- Picea abies 'Hank's Flare Star'
- Picea abies 'Honey Pot'
- Picea abies 'Norrköping'
- Picea abies 'Pendula Major'
- Picea abies 'Punahilkka'