Picea purpurea

Purple Cone Spruce

Purple-cone Spruce (Picea purpurea) is an evergreen tree from the mountains of China. Short needles cover a pyramidal crown, while developing seed cones bring reddish-purple to deep purple color among the branches.

The colored structures are cones, not flowers. Mature trees develop scaly gray bark and can become very tall in suitable conditions. This species belongs in an arboretum or spacious conifer collection where its eventual scale can be accommodated.

This mountain species is best considered for a cool-climate collection with generous space. Give a young tree consistent moisture and good drainage while it establishes.

Size
• Width: Varies with age and growing conditions
• Height: A large tree; up to about 165 ft in its native range

Hardiness
• Cold-temperate mountain species; confirm local suitability

Best Uses
• Specimen
• Woodland Gardens

Plant type

Conifer, Evergreen Tree

Height

165 ft max

Width

Varies

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Does not flower

Flower color

None

Leaf color

Blue-green

Fall color

Blue-green

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Specimen, Woodland Gardens

Shape

Pyramidal

Bark

Scaly

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No