How to Grow and Care for Norway spruce

Norway spruce, also known as European spruce, Common spruce, Christmas tree

Norway spruce is a hardy conifer that flourishes in cold climates with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Critical care points include ensuring ample space for growth, as norway spruce can become a large tree, and providing sufficient water especially in its early years. Avoid over-pruning to prevent damaging its natural pyramid shape. Despite its size, norway spruce is considered relatively easy to care for, as it is adaptable and requires minimal maintenance once established.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Norway spruce

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	4.5-5.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	2-7

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Varieties of Norway spruce

Norway spruce 'Nidiformis'

Norway spruce 'Nidiformis' is a slow-growing, dwarf cultivar of Norway spruce that offers light-green short needles. The branches spread horizontally in dense layers. This is cultivar is also often called the "Bird’s Nest Spruce," as it usually sports a deep depression in the middle of its flat top. Gardeners enjoy this cultivar for its deer resistance and general hardiness.

Norway spruce 'Pumila'

Norway spruce 'Pumila' is a dwarf, slow-growing Norway spruce cultivar that has a flat-topped, cushion shape. It offers outward-spread branches that are covered with bright green needles. Gardeners favor it for its resistance to browsing and its compact size - it only reaches 1.2 m tall at maturity.

Norway spruce 'Tompa'

Norway spruce 'Tompa' is a compact evergreen conifer with a conical shape, cherished for its dense, richly dark green needles. Its stature is dwarf, making it well-suited for small gardens. The cold hardiness of norway spruce 'Tompa' allows it to thrive in northern climates, requiring minimal care. This plant's cold resilience and shape make it an attractive choice for landscapes seeking year-round greenery and structure.

Norway spruce 'Little Gem'

Norway spruce 'Little Gem' is a dwarf, slow-growing, Norway spruce cultivar offering a flat-topped globe shape. It is covered in deeply-colored evergreen needles and is quite small in size - thus the "little gem" title. Gardeners like this diminutive plant because it is easy to grow, tolerant of air pollution, and easy to care for.

Norway spruce 'Acrocona'

Norway spruce 'Acrocona' is a captivating conifer that stands out with its unique characteristics. This evergreen tree is renowned for its striking display of red cones, which add a pop of vibrant color to the landscape. Its garden usage extends beyond ornamental value, as it also serves as a valuable timber tree. Embrace the beauty and resilience of this exceptional conifer in your outdoor space.

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More General Info About Norway spruce

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Norway spruce is characterized by its towering height, typically reaching 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 meters). This vigorous needled evergreen exhibits a classic conical shape when young, transitioning to a more mature form with branches that arch downwards. Its foliage consists of needle-like leaves, contributing to its dense, coniferous appearance. The bark secretes a notable sticky resin that is particularly tactile when touched.