code: 5015
General Description
Introduced in 1903 in Belgium, the dwarf oriental spruce cultivar ‘Gracilis’ is known for its very slow growth rate and mature habit that’s a broad cone. Oriental spruce is a hardy coniferous evergreen that originates from the temperate regions across Asia Minor. It branches and needles are always compact and dense.
It has fine, four-angled, soft-textured and light green needles that age to stiff, deeper green and are densely packed along the stem. In spring, new candles of growth appear that are tender until they toughen up. The dense branches cover the tree from top to bottom and may be horizontal, slightly ascending or slightly drooping. It has male and female cones that appear in spring and persist until mature. The small male cones are initially oxblood red and later turn to brown. The larger pendulous female cones are elongated and turn from deep purple-red to brown. Its dark brown exfoliating bark is attractive but usually masked by the dense branches.
‘Gracilis’ requires full sun and is tolerant of a wide range of well-drained soils. It can even tolerate poor soils and periods of drought. This tree is sensitive to high winds, so be sure to plant it in moderately protected sites. Needle scalding occurs if it is bombarded by extremely cold, arid winds. This dwarf selection of Oriental spruce is perfect as a specimen in a mixed border or foundation bed, or in a patio container when it is still small in size.
Characteristics
- AHS Heat Zone
8 – 1
- USDA Hardiness Zone
4 – 8
- Sunset Zone
2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
- Plant Type
Needled or Scaled Evergreen
- Sun Exposure
Full Sun
- Height
5′-16′ / 1.5m – 4.9m
- Width
3′-6′ / 0.9m – 1.8m
- Native To
Western Asia
Growing Conditions
- Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
- Soil Drainage
Well Drained
- Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
- Growth Rate
Very Slow
- Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
- Habit
Pyramidal
- Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
