PICEA abies ‘Pusch’

PICEA abies ‘Pusch’ belongs to the marvelous plants. In the spring, it develops its new bright red cones on the tips of bright green spring shoots. Afterwards, the cones will turn pink (see photo) and then brown once mature. Then they will remain on the plant until the new cones appear and the cycle will begin again.

How to grow PICEA abies ‘Pusch’

PICEA abies ‘Pusch’ is more of a dwarf conifer. As a result, it fits ideally into a small garden or even in a container on a balcony. Reserve a place for it in the sun or in a place with lots of light. It tolerates all types of soil and all pH levels. It resists well to temperatures below -20 °C. Given its ease of cultivation, it suits beginners as well as experienced gardeners.

History and Origin

PICEA abies are commonly called common spruce. Their natural habitat is in the boreal forests of Northern Europe. They constitute a major essence there. On the other hand, it grows in middle and Southern Europe only in the mountains above 400 m.

In addition, this species can reach an age of 500 years. The oldest known can be found in Sweden at an altitude of 950 m where it is called “Old Tjikko”. After carbon-14 dating, scientists estimate its age at around 9,550 years.

In addition, its wood is used for construction and paper. The PICEA abies found in the Alps, the Bavarian Forest and the Bohemian Forest are also called “Haselfichte” (hazel spruce). The famous violin maker, Stradivarius, used it to create his instruments.

Then, the end of the young shoots contains a high concentration of vitamin C. As such, they are sometimes eaten or form the basis of an infusion. In traditional medicine in Austria, professionals transformed it into syrups and infusions. It was also used there for baths and inhalations in the treatment of respiratory ailments.

Finally, even if the official name of this species is PICEA abies, there are more than 150 synonyms.