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Common Name: Norway spruce
Type: Needled evergreen
Family: Pinaceae
Zone: 3 to 7
Height: 5 to 10 feet
Spread: 5 to 10 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Leaves: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Air Pollution, Deer
Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Best in cold climates, and will not grow well south of USDA Zone 7.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Picea abies, commonly called Norway spruce, is a pyramidal evergreen conifer that typically matures to 40-60’ tall in cultivation in North America, but may reach 200’ tall in the wild in its optimum native growing environments in Europe. ‘Acrocona’ is a cultivar that is noted for producing showy immature red cones at the branch ends (acro meaning at the end) in spring. Cones are abundant in early years. Cones mature to tan by summer. This small conifer typically grows as a broad upright-spreading shrub, but may grow as a small tree. Ten year growth is in the area of 5-10’ tall. Trees will mature to about 20’ tall over time. Dark green needles.
Plant of Merit
This dwarf cultivar of Norway spruce typically grows as a broad, upright-spreading shrub or small tree to 5-10 feet over the first 10 years, eventually maturing to 20 feet tall. It features dark green needles, horizontal branching and pendulous twigs. Notwithstanding its size, it is perhaps best known for producing showy immature red cones at the branch ends (acro meaning at the end) in spring. This conifer performs best in cool summer climates.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Canker, wood decay, needle cast and rust may occur. Watch for aphids, bagworms and mites.
Garden Uses
Specimen/accent around the home.