Mini Potted Christmas Tree - White Spruce - Picea glauca

Scientific Name
Picea glauca (lit. blue-grey spruce) 'White Spruce'

Common Name
Christmas Tree, Canadian Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, Skunk Spruce, Cat Spruce

Origin
Native to forests of North America, from Alaska to Canada, Newfoundland and New York

Description
These adorable potted trees are not just for Christmas! They will of course look amazing (and the cutest) bedecked in tinsel and sparkles, but they will also live much longer than just till Christmas. Whether you keep them in pots or plant them out in your garden, the White Spruce is hardy enought to withstand it; it is used to much colder temperatures in its native Canada and Alaska than we usually get here in the UK. In a few years, this baby tree could grow to fill your living room with Christmas cheer- and for now, it is the cutest Christmas Tree on the street.

Light
Your tree will appreciate full sun, but can tolerate shade too, as long as it gets a decent amount of light.

Water
Keep your plant moist but not soggy, watering as soon as the top layer of soil dries out.

Humidity
The Spruce prefers higher humidity- if outside, this means sheltered from cold, drying winds, and if inside, not too close to a radiator!

Soil
Plant in moist, well-draining acidic soil, and repot every year as the plant grows.

Food
Use a fertiliser suitable for acidic soil; if you plant it out, it won't need much feeding at all, perhaps adding nutrients once a year. If in a pot, feed once a month.

Temperature
Ideally likes temperatures of 4-18°C, but it can withstand temperatures as low as -14°C.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
Because it's used to colder temperatures, your mini tree will prefer to stay outdoors even in winter, whether planted in the ground or in a pot, though it will be fine visiting yours indoors for the holidays.