Picea smithiana, commonly known as the Morinda Spruce or Himalayan Spruce, is a large, stately evergreen conifer celebrated for its graceful, highly ornamental appearance. It grows into a perfect, broad pyramid shape with stiff, horizontal main branches. Its most distinctive feature is the long, drooping (pendulous) secondary branchlets that hang down vertically, creating a soft, weeping curtain effect. The needles are long, sharp, and deep green, contributing to its lush, dense appearance. This is a magnificent specimen tree, adding a touch of classic formality and cool-climate elegance to large gardens and parks.
Care Tips:
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Position: Prefers a spot in full sun in cooler climates, or part shade in areas with very hot summers. Ensure it has plenty of space, as it is a large tree at maturity.
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Climate: Thrives best in cool to cold temperate climates where it can receive adequate winter chilling. It tolerates frost well.
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Soil: Plant in a deep, rich, well-drained soil. It dislikes heavy, poorly-drained soil and will not tolerate drought or extended periods of dryness.
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Watering: Water regularly, especially during establishment and hot, dry periods. It needs consistent moisture to maintain healthy foliage. Mulch heavily to keep the roots cool and moist.
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Pruning: Requires very little pruning due to its naturally beautiful shape. Only remove dead, damaged, or poorly-placed branches in late winter or early spring.
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Growth: This is a slow to medium-growing tree, but it will eventually reach significant heights (15-20m or more in its native range), so ensure the planting site is suitable for its mature size.
