Piceas, or Spruces, are evergreen coniferous trees from the Pinaceae family with a lovely conical shape, needle-like leaves and ornate pendulous cones. Some varieties grow into large and long-lived trees used more as specimen plantings in large parks or gardens, while smaller growing varieties are great for smaller gardens and pots. Tolerant of very cold winters, frost and warm summers.


How to grow Picea in a garden

Be sure to choose a variety which is suitable to the size of your garden. 

  1. Choose a position in full sun or part shade with well drained soil. 
  2. Enrich the soil with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well. 
  3. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
  4. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well. 
  5. Mulch with an organic mulch like woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.
  6. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
  7. Feed with Yates Thrive All Purpose Granular Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost apply Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate.

How to grow Picea in a pot

Dwarf varieties are ideal for pots, whereas tree varieties can be used for temporary plant displays - when the plant outgrows the pot, plant in the garden.

  1. Choose a pot at least 250mm wide with adequate drainage holes.
  2. Position in full sun or part shade and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
  3. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
  4. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well.
  5. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
  6. Feed with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate.

Growing tips

  • Very light prune in spring or summer to shape only.

  • Most prefer full sun.

  • Tolerant of frost.


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Smoke Bush

Smoke Bush is an ideal shrub to add a splash of foliage colour to gardens. It provides year-round seasonal interest and looks fabulous in both gardens and pots.

Picea

Piceas, or Spruces, are evergreen coniferous trees from the Pinaceae family with a lovely conical shape, needle-like leaves and ornate pendulous cones.

Recommended products

Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food

A liquid plant food suitable for most types of plants and provides balanced feeding to promote stronger, healthier growth and greener foliage. Feeds through the leaves and roots for fast results.

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.