Picea orientalis Skylands

Oriental Spruce

Skylands Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis ‘Skylands’) lights up the garden with yellow new needles that deepen toward gold as the season advances. The shaded inner foliage remains greener, giving the crown a layered color effect.

This selection eventually develops into a large upright spruce. Its strongest role is as a specimen with space for the lower branches and bright canopy. Young trees may need protection from intense afternoon sun in hot locations to limit foliage scorch.

Use a well-drained site and water during establishment. Protect young plants from drying winter winds and excessive summer heat.

Approximate garden size
• Width: 15 ft; larger with age
• Height: 25 ft; larger with age

Hardiness
• Hardy to USDA Zone 4; upper limit varies with climate

Best Uses
• Specimen
• Accent Plant

Plant type

Conifer, Evergreen Tree

Height

25 ft+

Width

15 ft+

Hardiness zones

4–7

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Does not flower

Flower color

None

Leaf color

Gold, Green, Yellow

Fall color

Gold, Green, Yellow

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Pyramidal

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No