Lijiang spruce 10/20cm (9cm)

The Lijiang spruce is a magnificent evergreen conifer from the mountains of western China, where it thrives in cool, moist conditions at high elevations. This elegant tree develops a classic conical form with graceful, sweeping branches that create a stunning architectural presence in gardens. The foliage is particularly attractive, with blue-green needles that radiate around the shoots, giving the branches a bottlebrush appearance that catches the light beautifully throughout the seasons.

What makes Picea likiangensis especially desirable is its attractive bark, which develops a rich purple-brown colour and flakes away in irregular plates as the tree matures, adding winter interest. The spring growth emerges in bright green tufts that contrast wonderfully with the older foliage, creating a two-toned effect that’s particularly striking in May and June. By summer, pendulous cones develop, starting purplish-red before maturing to brown, adding another decorative element to this already impressive specimen.

This spruce performs exceptionally well in British gardens, being fully hardy and tolerant of our cooler, damper climate. It appreciates the moisture levels typical of western regions but will adapt to most areas provided the soil doesn’t dry out completely during summer. The tree looks magnificent as a standalone specimen on lawns or in larger garden settings where its pyramidal form can be fully appreciated. It also works beautifully in mixed conifer plantings, where its blue-green foliage provides excellent colour contrast.

Growing Lijiang Spruce

Plant your Lijiang spruce in a position that receives full sun or partial shade, though it will develop the best form in an open, sunny spot. The soil should be moist, well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral, though this adaptable conifer will tolerate a range of soil types provided they don’t become waterlogged. Dig a generous planting hole and incorporate organic matter to help retain moisture, especially on lighter soils.

Water newly planted specimens regularly during their first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, the tree is relatively drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture, particularly during prolonged dry spells. Apply a mulch of bark chips or well-rotted compost around the base each spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping the mulch away from the trunk itself.

Feeding is minimal once established, though young trees benefit from an application of slow-release conifer fertiliser in early spring. Pruning is rarely necessary beyond removing any dead or damaged branches, which should be done in late winter. The tree naturally develops an attractive shape without intervention. Watch for aphids in spring, which can sometimes affect new growth, though these rarely cause serious damage and natural predators usually keep them in check.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
4–8 metres