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Oriental Spruce

Picea orientalis

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

660 inches

Width

270 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived conifer

Native To

Caucasus Mountains, Northern Turkey

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Picea orientalis is a graceful, medium to large evergreen conifer with a dense, narrow, pyramidal shape. It is known for having the shortest needles of any spruce, which are a glossy, dark green, giving the tree a fine-textured appearance. This species is particularly elegant, with slightly pendulous branches and attractive, slender, violet-purple cones that mature to brown. It is more tolerant of heat and summer drought than many other spruces, like the popular Colorado Blue Spruce.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Oriental Spruce is one of the most elegant conifers, valued for its dense, glossy, dark green needles and graceful, pyramidal habit. Its attractive purple cones add seasonal interest, making it a superb specimen tree for year-round beauty.

Its dense branching structure makes it an effective screen or windbreak when planted in a row. It is also a good choice for large landscapes where a low-maintenance, stately evergreen is desired.

The tree provides excellent cover and nesting sites for birds. The seeds within the cones are a food source for various bird species and small mammals like squirrels.

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Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with good air circulation.
Ensure the soil is well-drained and preferably acidic.
Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball.
Place the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Site this tree where it has ample room to grow to its mature size, as it develops a beautiful natural form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
Provide good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
Protect from harsh winter winds, especially when young.
Mulch to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or alkaline soils.
Avoid planting in hot, dry, exposed sites in southern climates.
Do not prune the central leader.
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant specimen tree for large lawnsTall screening or effective windbreakGraceful park or estate tree

Companion Plants

Rhododendron spp. Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Mariesii' Cornus kousa Heuchera 'Palace Purple' Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Oriental Spruce questions

What zones can Oriental Spruce grow in?

Oriental Spruce is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Oriental Spruce deer resistant?

Yes — Oriental Spruce is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Oriental Spruce bloom?

Oriental Spruce typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Oriental Spruce need full sun?

Oriental Spruce does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Oriental Spruce drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Oriental Spruce handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.