Silver Seedling Oriental Spruce

We constantly advise customers to plant their evergreens in full sun, but here is one – the Silver Seedling Oriental Spruce – that we advise you to plant in shade, with perhaps a touch of morning sun, or even in full, light shade. This is because this unique plant is a striking white on the upper side of its branches, and also on new shoots. These white needles can easily be burned by hot sun, which is why growing in the shade is necessary. Once you have solved that issue this is an easy plant to grow, that will indeed bring a special and bold look to your garden. Growing about 6 inches a year – there are reports of double that in ideal conditions – it will soon be a conical bush 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, continuing to grow steadily throughout its life into something at least double that – just imagine how dramatic that will look. Grow it as a specimen in your beds, or perhaps in the shady areas close to your home. A tub or pot would be ideal, as you could manipulate the light levels for the maximum growth and zero damage. In a pot it could be left outdoors from zone 6, and in colder zones just slipped into the earth for the winter.

• A unique look with white needles on the upper parts of the branches
• Forms an upright, conical plants 4 feet tall in 10 years
• Should be protected from hot afternoon sun
• Grows well in gravel soils and alkaline conditions
• Grow it in a pot so you can give it ideal light levels year-round

Unlike other evergreens, plant the Silver Seedling Oriental Spruce in a spot with afternoon shade, and even in light, dappled, all-day shade. This is necessary to prevent the white needles from burning. Shelter from cold winds is also good, and remember to give it a deep soak in late fall, as winter burn is also possible. Grow it in any well-drained soil, including gravels, alkaline soils, and poor, rocky ground. It won’t be eaten by deer and is unlikely to develop any pest or disease problems. No trimming is needed, but maintain a single leading stem to best keep its conical shape. If you spot two leading stems, simply cut the weaker one in half, it will sprout into a side branch in a few seasons.