Other Names:  Mt. Vernon, syn. Minima Wells Oriental Spruce

Description:

A very slow growing rounded evergreen shrub with bright green new foliage that matures to dark green; very adaptable, an excellent accent choice for rock gardens, or small landscape areas

Ornamental Features

Mount Vernon Oriental Spruce is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its ornamental globe-shaped form. It has attractive dark green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The glossy needles are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Mount Vernon Oriental Spruce is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Mount Vernon Oriental Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Mount Vernon Oriental Spruce will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.