Overview
Picea retroflexa is a tree, conical conifers in the genus Picea, part of the Pinaceae family, with evergreen, needle-like foliage. Picea retroflexa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include specimen tree, woodland garden and hedging.
About
Picea retroflexa is a cultivar of the Picea genus, which includes evergreen coniferous trees with stiff, needle-shaped foliage growing individually along the branches. This conical tree thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for sheltered south- or west-facing aspects. Picea retroflexa is valued as a specimen tree, for woodland gardens, or hedging, and it is particularly notable in winter. Young plants benefit from staking during establishment.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Picea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Picea retroflexa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Shrubs
- Habit
- Tree, Conical
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Needle-like
- Suggested uses
- Specimen tree, Woodland garden, Hedging
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Picea retroflexa
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to most pests
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to most diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Picea retroflexa?
Picea retroflexa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Picea retroflexa need?
Picea retroflexa grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Picea retroflexa hardy in the UK?
Picea retroflexa has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Picea retroflexa?
Seed, Semi-ripe 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'