Add an effective ornamental evergreen tree to your landscape with conical Korean Spruce trees (Picea koraiensis). Called “jong bi namu” in Korean, these trees produce a lovely flush of pale, celadon-green new growth in springtime.
Once mature, this specimen features purple cones that age to brown. The trunk is a rich, red-brown and the short, dark blue-green needled foliage hugs the symmetrical branch structure.
Planting and Application:
Cold-hardy evergreen Korean Spruce provides shelter and seeds for birds. It typically requires little care in the right planting site that replicates the mountain settings of its native peninsula.
- Korean Spruce doesn’t mind moist soil, as long as it drains well after a rainfall. Use several on the banks of a streambed for year-round color and structure.
- Try an informal approach with these unique trees. Vary the spacing between the trees, and stagger the depth from front to back, as well.
- Add Korean Spruce to windbreaks, although it should not be the only cultivar used. Mix with Pine and Fir trees for biodiversity to protect the overall investment.
- This rugged, pyramidal evergreen tree has a widespread native range. Examples have also been found in Northern China and Russia…so it easily stands up to the cold winters of USDA Growing Zone 4.
- Valuable Korean Spruce has been used for both furniture-making and carving. The straight, round central leader also is grown and harvested for poles.
Tips for Care:
The Korean Spruce tree performs well in rich, well-drained soil…but can tolerate a variety of soil pH conditions. It prefers at least six hours of sunlight a day.
- Please give supplemental water in dry weather. As well, it’s a great idea to apply a three-inch layer of mulch over the root zone and then pull it back away from directly touching the trunk.
- Plan for your evergreens to reach the maximum spread listed on the plant highlights. Avoid planting too closely and risk having to trim off the lower branches…they will never grow back.
