Variegated Oriental Spruce

Aureospicata is a slow-growing, upright Caucasian spruce selected for its seasonal color. Its new spring growth opens creamy yellow, then darkens to green as the season advances, giving the tree a clear two-tone effect without lasting yellow foliage. Give it a sunny site and soil that drains well; Oregon State University notes that Oriental spruce tolerates gravelly soil and should be protected from harsh winter winds. The American Conifer Society describes Aureospicata as a compact, upright conical selection and gives an approximate ten-year size of 7.5 feet tall by 4.5 feet wide. These are ten-year dimensions, not the tree’s ultimate size. [The American Conifer Society cultivar profile](https://conifersociety.org/conifers/picea-orientalis-aureospicata) covers the selection, while [Oregon State University’s species profile](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/picea-orientalis) notes its spring color and site tolerance. ## Maintenance Water regularly while it establishes, then adjust irrigation to rainfall and soil drainage. Remove dead or damaged branches and avoid shearing the naturally conical outline.