Oriental spruce is a medium to large, densely-branched, narrow-pyramidal evergreen conifer that typically grows in cultivation to 30′ tall in NC. It is native to mountain areas from the Caucasus to Turkey. Flattened, glossy dark green needles (to 1/2″ long) are shorter than the needles of other species of spruce. Small pollen bearing (male) cones are red. Seed bearing (female) cones (to 4″ long) are purple maturing to brown. Bark may exfoliate with age.
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers rich, moist soils, but tolerates some poor soils including rocky ones. Although established plants have some drought tolerance, soils should be kept consistently moist and not allowed to dry out in the early years. .
| Common Name | Oriental, Spruce |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Picea orientalis 'Atrovirens' |
| Container/Amount | 20 gallon |
| Evergreen or Deciduous | Evergreen |
| Hardiness Zone | 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Light Requirements | Part-sun, Sun |
| Height | 30 ft. |
| Width | 15 ft. |
| Soil Condition | Well-drained |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Fragrance | No |
| Foliage Color | green |
| Deer Resistant | No |
