Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years
Public Plant Profile

Gowdy Oriental Spruce

Picea orientalis 'Gowdy'

Category: Evergreen Tree • Spruce

Gowdy Oriental Spruce is a stunning specimen tree with dense foliage and a conical shape, perfect for accenting landscapes.

Mature Height: 8-12 feet
Mature Width: 3-6 feet
Light: Sun
Zone: Zones 4-7
Maintenance: Low
Growth Rate: Slow
Season of Interest: Multi-season
Foliage: Evergreen
Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

The Gowdy Oriental Spruce is a stunning evergreen tree known for its dense, dark green foliage. It has a conical shape and is perfect for adding vertical interest to landscapes. This tree is hardy and can thrive in various conditions, making it a great choice for gardens and parks.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade with moderate moisture. Prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.

Soil Preferences

Requires good drainage and consistent moisture. Adaptable to various soil types but prefers slightly acidic pH.

Sun Needs

Sun

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenaccent

Special Features

Dense foliageattractive conical shape

Wildlife Value

Provides habitat and food for birds and small mammals.

Resistance / Tolerance

Moderate drought tolerance.

Notes from Our Designer

Ideal for adding vertical interest in landscapes. Works well in mixed plantings for texture.

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Explore related plants, compare shape, texture, and overall planting style, and get a better feel for what may fit your own outdoor space.

Use this page to get a feel for where Gowdy Oriental Spruce may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Is Gowdy Oriental Spruce a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

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