Picea orientalis 'EARLY GOLD'

Caucasian spruce is an attractive conifer with an interesting habit. Lateral branches grow horizontally first, later they rise a bit upwards in an angle of about 45° while new growths are slightly drooping. Early Gold is a variety with one special feature – its new spring shoots are bright yellow and emerge 2 weeks earlier than similar variety Aureospicata. They last on the plants for as long as 6 weeks.

For the rest of the year the needles are deep green. They are glossy, short, and rather stiff. Caucasian spruce grows slowly when young making about 3m in 10 years. Adult tree can reach approximately 15m tall and 6m wide. To keep it smaller it can be pruned and sheared. Grow it as a specimen plant in a place where it will have enough space around to show its beauty.

Spruce is widely soil adaptable provided the soil is well-drained. It likes neutral to slightly acidic soil and full sun. no fertilizing necessary. Fully hardy to about -30°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 17-01-2012