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Sitka spruce

Picea sitchensis · Pinaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around sitka spruce and prepare for winter.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Evergreen
Mature size
40 to 60 m in height, 10 to 15 m in width
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -20 °C)
Origin
North American Pacific Coast (British Columbia, Alaska)
Soil type
Well-drained, fresh, slightly acidic soils
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade

Care

Exposure

Plant your Sitka spruce in full sun or partial shade, in a well-ventilated location. This species appreciates coastal areas and handles sea winds well. It dislikes hot, dry, scorching exposures in very warm continental climates.

Soil and planting

Prepare well-drained, fresh, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Enrich the planting hole with potting soil. Sitka spruce tolerates moist soils and thrives in regions with regular rainfall.

Watering

Water regularly for the first two years after planting to establish deep roots. Once established, this spruce is very tolerant of moderate drought. In very dry climates, periodic summer watering optimizes its health.

Pruning and structure

Sitka spruce develops naturally into a very elegant conical form and requires no maintenance pruning. Remove only dead or poorly oriented branches in late winter. Avoid severe pruning that would permanently mark its silhouette.

Fertilization

Light annual fertilization in spring is sufficient to support growth. Apply balanced fertilizer or organic matter (compost, mulch). Well-established trees in good soils generally don't need it.

Health and pests

Sitka spruce is seldom affected by disease in its ideal conditions. In overly dry or poorly drained climates, it may suffer from root rot or weakness. Occasionally check for the absence of scale insects or mites, especially when grown as ornamental in urban areas.

Did you know?

The Sitka spruce is the largest spruce in the world and one of the tallest conifer species in North America. First Nations peoples of the Pacific coast used its light and resilient wood to build the frames of their traditional canoes. It has also been the official tree of the State of Alaska since 1962.

Where to buy it

Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.