About
This slow-growing, conical evergreen tree to 3.5m high, with scaly, grey bark and dense, ascending branches bearing stiff, pointed, bluish needles. Cylindrical cones are green in summer, ripening to pale brown, and up to 12cm long.
About the genus
Picea 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any deep, moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic soil in full sun. See conifer cultivation for more advice
PruningNo pruning required. New growth may be trimmed if necessary but it is best not to cut back into older wood
PropagationPropagate by grafting in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to adelgids, red spider mite and conifer aphid
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus