PICEA ORIENTALIS – SPRUCE, ORIENTAL
Oriental Spruce was chosen as a 1992 Gold Medal Plant by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for being a plant of exceptional merit, but underused in landscaping. Oriental Spruce should be grown in full sun or partial shade on well-drained soil, and will tolerate infertile, and rocky soils. Dry, windy, winter weather can brown the foliage. This could be minimized by providing some irrigation in the fall before the soil freezes. Generous irrigation in the fall will help the tree pull through the winter. Watch for mite infestations during hot weather. Good survival in ice storms. This spruce has a fine texture superior to many other spruces. and is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.