What: Picea orientalis, or “Aureospicata,” is a stately evergreen that has short, dark green needles on its stiff branches. For drama in the garden, it is hard to beat golden Caucasian spruce. In spring, these explode with new growth that is a brilliant chartreuse. The contrast between the old and new growth is spectacular. This wonderful display remains effective until midsummer, when the spring growth matures to a deep forest green. The tree grows into a narrowly pyramidal shape, with lower branches arching gracefully downwards to create a full skirt about the tree. Give it plenty of space to fully develop into a beautiful tree. This spruce is perfect for use as a specimen or focal point. It has a strong resistance to insects and diseases. Notably, it is especially resistant to the highly damaging conifer aphid. Little pruning is needed to keep it looking its best, only to remove any dead or broken branches.
Where: This spruce grows best in full sun. It prefers a well-drained or sandy soil, but will tolerate clay. Once established it is drought tolerant. Its slow growth make it a very well-mannered conifer for the urban landscape.
Size: Reaches a height of 10 feet with a spread of 6 feet.
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