Species oriental spruce Guide

oriental spruce

Picea orientalis 'Nigra Compacta'

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis 'Nigra Compacta') should be watered thoroughly once a week when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. It's important not to over-water this plant as it can lead to root rot. During the summer months when the temperature is hot, the spruce may need to be watered twice a week. In the winter when the temperature is cooler, it may only need to be watered every other week.

sunlight

Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis 'Nigra Compacta') is an evergreen conifer that requires ample direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant species should be given at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day with a few hours of indirect sunlight. Sunlight hours should increase as the season progresses. During the late spring, summer and early fall months of April through October, Oriental spruce should receive around 7-8 hours of direct sunlight with a few hours of indirect sunlight. During the fall and winter months of November through March, 4-5 hours of direct sunlight is recommended for optimal growth.

pruning

Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis 'Nigra Compacta') is an evergreen conifer variety with an attractive, dense shape and dark-green foliage that makes it a popular choice for landscaping. Pruning should be done twice a year, once in late winter and once in late summer, to maintain its shape and size. In late winter, prune away any breaks or damage caused by snow and ice, as well as any dead or diseased branches. Cut them back to just above the collar or even below the collar if needed. In late summer, prune once again to control the size and shape of the tree. This means cutting back the tips of the branches and thinning out any inside growth to promote outward growth instead. Cut back no more than a third of a branch at 1 time, and only those that have started to outgrow their allotted space.