Balfour’s Spruce

A rare, very large conifer from Tibet and western China, Picea likiangensis var. rubescens is a tall, vigorous, evergreen, coniferous tree with ascending branches and grey, scaly, fissured bark. The trunk grows to 39”/1m across. The needles are grey-green, on rather thick, light brown shoots. The cones are lovely, with a netted, deep pink pattern, becoming brown and woody as they age. Balfour’s spruce is only for parks or very large gardens. No pruning is needed.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Deep, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 98’ (30m) Spread: 8-13’ (2.5-4m) in 20-50 years