Picea likiangensis

RHS Plant Profile
Lijiang spruce
Lijiang spruce RHS
Conifers Trees

A conical or columnar coniferous tree, to 25m tall, that shows a marked degree of variation within the species. Young shoots are a pale brown or red colour and the bark becomes grey and fissured with age. Its flattened needle-like leaves are 1-2cm long, bluish-green above and glaucous beneath with those on the upper side of the shoot pointing forwards. The ovoid cones, up to 10cm long, are red when young maturing to a pale brown

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pinaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Picea are evergreen trees with rigid, needle-like leaves arranged singly all round the shoots, and narrow, leathery-scaled cones borne near the ends of the shoots
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Bhutan to China (Sichuan, NW Yunnan)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil. Will tolerate alkaline soils. Shelter from cold, drying winds. See conifer cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids, red spider mite and conifer aphid

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus