Conifers
Dwarf Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Pumila'
Picea abies 'Pumila' forms a slow-growing, broadly rounded mound of dense evergreen needles, giving small planting spaces a steady green structure through the year. Mature plants are about 3–4 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide; smaller measurements sometimes describe plants at ten years rather than their full size. Set this dwarf Norway spruce near the front of a border or in a rock garden where its eventual width has room. Full sun is preferred; partial sun may also be suitable. Keep the soil well drained and evenly moist, especially through dry summer stretches, and avoid sites that stay wet.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- About 3–4 feet
- Mature spread
- About 3–5 feet
- Light
- Full sun to partial sun
- Hardiness
- Generally USDA zones 4–6
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its low, dense form fits a rock garden, the front of a border, or a small accent planting. The evergreen needles provide year-round structure.
Where to plant
Choose a spot with full sun or partial sun. Allow about 3–5 feet of width so the mature plant does not crowd its neighbors.
Through the seasons
The dense needles remain on the plant through winter. Growth is slow, so allow time for the mound to reach its mature size.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
During Southwest Washington’s dry summer stretches, check that the soil remains evenly moist. Regional spruce-host pests and needle cast can occur, although susceptibility of this cultivar has not been established.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in well-drained soil and maintain even moisture. Avoid persistently wet ground.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Check soil moisture during dry summer stretches and water to maintain even moisture. Watch new growth and older needles for the spruce problems described below.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Cooley spruce gall adelgid
Green or purplish cone-shaped galls on new growth turn brown and woody; branch tips may die.
Help your plant thrive
Remove galls for appearance. Keeping spruce and Douglas fir apart may reduce infestations; chemical treatment is not recommended.
Rhizosphaera needle cast
Needles develop yellow mottling, turn brown or purplish brown, then drop.
Help your plant thrive
Allow air circulation, avoid overhead watering and heavy shade, and discard fallen affected needles rather than composting them.
Spruce aphid
Yellow blotches and sometimes sticky honeydew appear; needles may brown and drop.
Help your plant thrive
Check valued plants weekly from around November. Wash aphids from small plants with a strong stream of water.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Weeping Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Pendula'
A sculptural evergreen with hanging branches that can become an upright specimen or a low spreading feature, depending on its form and early training.
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Cupressina Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Cupressina'
Dense, ascending branches create a slender evergreen column, offering substantial height and winter structure where a full-width spruce would demand too much horizontal space.
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2016.04.12 18.49.07 DSC03409 - Flickr - andrey zharkikh.jpg
Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA
CC BY 2.0 · Web-optimized
Weeping White Spruce
Picea glauca 'Pendula'
A narrow evergreen with an upright leader and dramatically hanging blue-green branches, suited to a cool, open planting space where its tall silhouette can develop.
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