Dwarf Alberta Spruce

(Picea glauca `Conica')

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen needles
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Shape: Upright

This naturally occurring dwarf conifer has a conical shape and a formal appearance. The foliage is dense, bright-green, and very fine.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 3 to 8
Light: Full sun
Moisture: Moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.5

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily.
Grows best in full sun.

Care:

Maintenance sometimes needed to control red spider mites.
Water young plants weekly in hot, dry weather. Place hose at base of plant and let water trickle into soil until thoroughly soaked.
Water well in the fall to reduce winter damage.

Problems:

Red spider mites can be a problem in hot, dry weather.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Related species:

PICEA GLAUCA (White Spruce) has a height of 40 to 60 feet and a 10 to 20 foot spread. It is a tall, slender, pyramidal evergreen tree.

Comments:

The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a miniature, cone- shaped tree that grows very slowly (2 to 4 inches per year) and rarely needs pruning.
Its dense, bright green foliage makes it attractive.
It is primarily a novelty specimen plant and is often used as a container plant.

Additional Materials:

The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-605 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Conifers"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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