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.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.