Barnes Oriental Spruce

Barnes Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis 'Barnes')

Barnes Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis 'Barnes') is a dense, slow-growing evergreen conifer with a low, mounded habit and refined texture. This compact cultivar offers the signature deep green foliage of Oriental Spruce in a smaller, more manageable form, ideal for foundation plantings, rock gardens, or low-maintenance borders.

Distinctive Features

'Barnes' is noted for its tight, dome-shaped form and exceptionally dark green, glossy needles. The short branches grow in layered tiers, creating a uniform, rounded silhouette that remains neat without pruning. Unlike taller selections of Oriental Spruce, 'Barnes' maintains a low profile, making it especially useful in smaller landscapes or as a foreground plant in conifer compositions.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; adaptable to loam, clay, or sandy textures
• Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred, especially during establishment
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Tidy, rounded form stands out in small garden spaces
• Rock Gardens: Dwarf size and evergreen color enhance alpine or stone landscapes
• Foundation Plantings: Compact habit suits low windows and walkway edges
• Mixed Borders: Provides evergreen texture beneath taller shrubs or trees
• Conifer Collections: Pairs well with upright, weeping, or colorful needle varieties

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist while young; moderately drought tolerant once established
• Pruning: Not required; naturally holds a clean, compact shape
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and regulate root temperatures
• Growth Habit: Slow growth rate minimizes upkeep

Why Choose Barnes Oriental Spruce?

• Compact Form: Ideal for small gardens, borders, and accent plantings
• Dark Green Foliage: Glossy needles add depth and contrast year-round
• Low Maintenance: Grows slowly with no need for shaping
• Cold Hardy: Performs reliably in a range of climates
• Focal Point: A refined, easy-care evergreen that fits anywhere structure is needed

Picea orientalis 'Barnes' delivers polished form and deep evergreen color in a compact size, making it a versatile solution for gardeners seeking beauty, order, and year-round interest in limited space.