Overview
Picea mariana is a bushy conifers in the genus Picea, part of the Pinaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Picea mariana 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 mariana, the black spruce, is a North American species of spruce tree in the pine family. It is widespread across Canada, found in all 10 provinces and all 3 territories. It is the official tree of Newfoundland and Labrador and is that province's most abundant tree. Its range extends into northern parts of the United States: in Alaska, the Great Lakes region, and the upper Northeast. In the wild it grows across North America, Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Connecticut and other regions. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for 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 mariana
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 mariana 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 mariana
- 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 mariana?
Picea mariana prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Picea mariana need?
Picea mariana 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 mariana hardy in the UK?
Picea mariana 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 mariana?
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'