Picea wilsonii

RHS Plant Profile
Wilson's spruce

Synonyms

Picea watsoniana

Conifers Trees

A large, slow-growing coniferous tree to 40m, with grey bark flaking in irregular plates. It bears dark green, needle-like leaves and distinctive pale grey young shoots. The mature seed cones are light brown, to 8cm long

Position

Full shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
more than 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 Neutral

Position

Full shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
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
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any deep, moist but well-drained, ideally neutral to acid soil in full sun. See conifer cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, grafting or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus