About
Picea orientalis, the oriental spruce, is a large, dense, conical evergreen conifer. Cones to 8 cm long are purplish; dark, shining-green, needle-like leaves are 6�10 mm long. A handsome and ornamental conifer for a sheltered, sunny or partly shaded 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, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Architectural
Native toCaucasus, N Turkey
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained acidic soil. Shelter from cold drying winds. See conifer cultivation for more advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by grafting or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to adelgids, red spider mite and conifer aphid
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus