Arctos Siberian Spruce
Picea obovata 'Arctos'
Height: 20 feet
Spread: 10 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Brand: Iseli Nursery
Description:
A medium-sized spire-shaped evergreen accent tree for northern landscapes with durable branches, and short needles with a unique, bluish-green color; very showy, and an ideal size for home landscape use; extremely hardy and rugged
Ornamental Features
Arctos Siberian Spruce is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has attractive grayish green foliage with hints of silvery blue which emerges silvery blue in spring. The small needles are highly ornamental and remain grayish green throughout the winter. The purple fruits which fade to brown over time are held in cones from early fall to early winter.
Landscape Attributes
Arctos Siberian Spruce is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Arctos Siberian Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Vertical Accent
Planting & Growing
Arctos Siberian Spruce will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.
This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.