The Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis 'Skylands') is a slow-growing evergreen conifer prized for its striking, year-round golden foliage. Its short, fine needles emerge a vivid electric yellow in spring and settle into a rich gold that persists through winter, making it one of the most colorful conifers available. Showy red pollen cones appear in spring, adding a bright contrast against the yellow needles. This tree grows in a broad, upright conical form and will eventually reach 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide, making it an excellent specimen or focal point in the landscape.
Skylands is well suited as a standalone accent plant, particularly in gardens where year-round color and winter interest are priorities. It grows slowly in its early years, gaining roughly 12 to 16 inches per year once established, so it fits comfortably in spaces where larger, faster-growing conifers would overwhelm. The tidy, compact branching gives it a refined, architectural appearance that holds up in every season. It is also deer and rabbit resistant, making it a reliable choice for landscapes with wildlife pressure.
Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce Care
Plant your Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce in full sun for the best foliage color, though it will tolerate partial shade. In hot climates or high sun exposure, choose a site with some afternoon protection to prevent needle scorch on young plants. This tree prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5, but it adapts well to a range of soil types including clay. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. A slow-release balanced fertilizer applied once or twice a year in spring and fall is sufficient to support healthy growth.
Water your Skylands thoroughly and regularly after planting, especially during the first two years while the tree is establishing its root system. Once established, it requires only occasional supplemental watering during extended dry periods and handles moderate drought well. Pruning needs are minimal for this tree. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches in late winter as needed, but avoid heavy pruning, as it can disrupt the tree's natural conical shape. Protect young trees from harsh winter winds, which can cause needle browning in exposed northern locations.
Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce Spacing
Plant Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce at least 15 feet away from other trees, structures, and utility lines to allow for its mature spread of up to 15 feet. It works well as a standalone specimen near patios, entryways, or in mixed conifer plantings where its golden color can contrast with darker evergreens. Choose a sheltered site when planting in colder zones to protect against drying winter winds.
Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Trees |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 4 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 25 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 15 Feet |
| Spacing: 15 Feet |
| Habit: Upright, Pyramidal |
| Flower Color(s): Red |
| Flower Description: Red Pollen Cones in Spring |
| Bloom Period: Spring |
| Foliage Type: Evergreen |
| Foliage Color(s): Gold, Yellow |
| Foliage Description: Electric Yellow in Spring, Rich Gold Year-Round |
| Seasonal Interest: 4 Season Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
| Tolerates: Drought, Clay Soil |
| Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Winter Interest |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce |
| Other Name(s): Skylands Oriental Spruce, Oriental Spruce |
| Scientific Name: Picea orientalis 'Skylands' |
- SKU:
- 1231029516-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations