About

Picea likiangensis, the Lijiang spruce, is a conical or columnar coniferous tree to 25 m showing a marked degree of variation within the species. Young shoots are pale brown or red; bark becomes grey and fissured with age. Flattened, needle-like leaves 1�2 cm long are bluish-green above and glaucous beneath. The ovoid cones � vivid red when young, maturing to pale brown � are among the most ornamental of any spruce. A handsome and striking 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
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-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 toBhutan to China (Sichuan, NW Yunnan)

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