Picea orientalis Jewel - Caucasian Spruce

The Picea orientalis Jewel is a truly dwarf variety of Oriental spruce. It reaches about forty centimeters in all directions, forming a ball of dark green. It is a very graphic small conifer that will fit perfectly in a contemporary garden with a sleek style and will work wonders in a rock garden, even in small dimensions. It is also obviously a very good subject for container planting. Very hardy and undemanding, this miniature conifer requires little maintenance. It adapts to most soils, requiring only good drainage, as well as a sunny to semi-shady location. 

The Picea orientalis, also known as Oriental spruce, is an evergreen conifer of the Pinaceae family, which also includes firs, cedars, and larches. This species of spruce is native to northeastern Turkey and the Caucasus. In its natural habitat, this large pyramidal tree reaches a height of 30 to 45 meters (98 feet 5 inches to 147 feet 7 inches). It grows well on the humus-rich soil of mixed or evergreen forests, as well as on the rocky slopes of the Black Sea coast.
'Jewel' is, as its English name indicates, a true gem. It naturally adopts a rounded habit reminiscent of a hedgehog with its small branches shooting out in all directions. With very slow growth, it reaches 40 cm (15.7 in) in height and width, making it a choice subject for a small rock garden where it will stay in its place without bothering its neighbors! Its short and dense branches bear small needles, of a beautiful dark green. Well distributed throughout the diameter of the branches, they form clusters that are aesthetically pleasing.
With its charming appearance, this conifer is not fragile at all, quite the opposite. It withstands extreme cold down to -25°C to -30°C and is not afraid of wind. Growing in neutral to slightly acidic soils, it only requires good drainage and does not like excess water. Well rooted, it tolerates temporary drought but appreciates occasional watering, especially during prolonged dry periods. 

The Oriental spruce Jewel is a precious conifer for rock gardens, where its slow growth and small size will be particularly appreciated. Well suited for container planting, it will also adorn a balcony or terrace. In a contemporary or mineral garden, its graphic habit and fairly dark colour will be definite assets. It can be planted alongside other dwarf plants that will not compete with it.
The Abies balsamea Nana with its bright young shoots will be a good neighbor, as well as the magnificent Abies koreana Kohout's Icebreaker® which, due to its larger size, should be planted in the background. With its curious needles with a white underside, this dwarf Korean fir will complement the dark green foliage of the 'Jewel' spruce very well. The Pinus mugo Golden Glow will create an interesting contrast with its bright golden young foliage, as well as the Picea pungens 'Blaukissen', a dwarf spruce with silver-blue foliage.