Picea orientalis Gracilis - Caucasian Spruce

Picea orientalis 'Gracilis' is a dwarf variety of the oriental spruce, and one of the most ornamental. It forms a small bush, with a very compact egg shape, covered with dense, bright green foliage, composed of short needles. Its clear and architectural silhouette comes to life in spring with young, light green shoots. Its very slow growth makes it an ideal candidate for small spaces, large rockeries, and terrace planters. It is a graceful, vigorous, and very hardy small conifer, a very adaptable plant that requires little maintenance. It is content with any well-drained, not too dry soil, and a sunny exposure.

Picea orientalis, also known as oriental spruce, is an evergreen conifer of the pinaceae family, native to northeastern Turkey and the Caucasus. In its natural environment, this pyramidal tree reaching 30 m (98ft) in height grows as well on the humus-rich soil of mixed or evergreen forests, as on the rocky slopes of the Black Sea coast.

'Gracilis' is a cultivar derived from this species, with a rounded conical silhouette that evokes a very dense and pretty Christmas tree, covered with dark and shiny foliage. Its growth is slow, reaching 1 m (3ft) in height and 50-60 cm (20-24in) in width at the base in 10 years, and a small tree of 5 m (16ft) in height and 2.5 m (8ft) in width at maturity. In spring, it produces flexible, slightly trailing, fairly short and dense branches, tender green in colour. Gradually, they straighten towards the sky while darkening, giving the plant its characteristic shape. They are covered with very short, diamond-shaped, shiny needles, arranged radially and very densely around the branches. They are shiny dark green on the upper side and have 2 very discreet white bands on the underside.

The 'Gracilis' oriental spruce is a graceful and elegant conifer, it will find a place in all gardens, even the most modest. With its easy cultivation, its discreet presence and its very reduced size, it is a perfect plant for small spaces, large rockeries, and terraces. It thrives in many situations and adapts to various climates, as long as the soil is well-drained. It is highly recommended for use on a large slope, among rocks, above a wall or ledge, or near a swimming pool, as it blends well with geometric lines and masonry. The architectural qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of forms, silhouettes, and textures over flowers. These plants with their reassuring permanence structurally anchor a bed and can easily replace the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. They pair well with heathers, shrubby salvias, or ground cover plants such as aubrietas and cerastiums, as well as light-flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.