Why We Recommend It
- Dense glossy foliage gives this living Christmas tree a full, richly coloured appearance.
- It performs best in cool, sunny gardens with moist acidic soil and room to mature.
- A strong choice for gardeners wanting a formal evergreen feature with a naturally tidy outline.
Pot Sizes & Plant Heights
Available sizes and plant heights are an approximate guide only. Stock fluctuates through the season and other sizes may be available. All plant stock and sizes are approximate and subject to grower availability at the time of year. View our Pot Sizes Explained guide.
Special Order Item
This tree is available by special order only and is not held in stock at our stores. Orders will be filled within 1-2 weeks of ordering. If you have questions or enquiries about placing an order, please contact us via our online form.
Santa's Tree Scorecard
Why it shines: Short glossy needles and dense branching give Oriental Spruce a refined, formal Christmas-tree shape.
Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Picea orientalis |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Oriental Spruce, Caucasian Spruce, Eastern Spruce |
| Plant Type | Evergreen conifer tree |
| Position | Full sun |
| Mature Size | 20-30m high x 4-8m wide |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance. Apply controlled-release fertiliser suitable for conifers in spring. Prune sparingly, retaining the central leader and removing only damaged or competing shoots. |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained acidic soil |
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Protect the root zone from excessive heat and allow generous permanent space. Keep any indoor Christmas display to about 7-10 days in a cool bright room away from heating.
Use moist, well-drained acidic soil. If keeping the tree in a container after Christmas, use a quality premium potting mix and move it into a larger pot as the root system fills the current container.
Maintain even moisture while the tree is young. Check the pot daily indoors, watering thoroughly as the surface begins to dry and allowing excess water to drain. Mulch after planting to conserve moisture.
Apply controlled-release fertiliser suitable for conifers in spring. Prune sparingly, retaining the central leader and removing only damaged or competing shoots.
Flowering, Fruiting & Fragrance
| Flower Colour | N/A |
|---|---|
| Flowering Period | N/A |
| Fruiting | Slender cones emerge purple before maturing to brown on established trees. |
Delivery Restrictions
Due to Australian quarantine restrictions, this product cannot be sent to WA, NT or TAS.
Complete The Project
- Premium potting mix for container growing
- Controlled-release fertiliser for trees and shrubs
- Organic mulch for planting out
- Decorative outer pot or basket for the festive display
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sun does Oriental Spruce need?
Oriental Spruce grows best in full sun. Choose a position that also provides the cool root conditions and drainage described in the care guide.
How often should I water Oriental Spruce?
Check the potting mix regularly and water thoroughly when the upper layer begins to dry. Keep the root ball evenly moist during the festive display, but never leave the pot standing in water.
How big does Oriental Spruce grow?
Oriental Spruce can reach around 20-30m high and 4-8m wide in suitable conditions. Allow for the mature size before choosing a permanent garden position.
Is Oriental Spruce low maintenance?
Oriental Spruce is generally low maintenance once established. Preserve its natural form and limit pruning to damaged, competing or poorly placed growth.
Can Oriental Spruce stay in a pot?
Yes, while it remains manageable. Repot as the roots fill the container and remember that this is an outdoor tree rather than a permanent indoor plant.
How long can Oriental Spruce stay indoors for Christmas?
Keep the indoor display as short as practical, ideally around a week. Place it in a cool, bright room away from heaters and air-conditioning, check moisture daily and return it outdoors gradually after Christmas.
Can I plant Oriental Spruce in the garden after Christmas?
Yes, provided the site suits its growing needs and has enough room for the mature tree. Water it well before planting and maintain regular moisture while it establishes.