Dwarf Alberta Spruce | Ryeland Gardens

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Picea glauca 'Conica'

Height:

6 - 8 ft.

Width:

3 - 5 ft.

Foliage Color:

Green

Foliage Type:

Needle Evergreen

Exposure:

Sun

Shape:

Pyramidal

Moisture Level:

Moist, Well Drained

Zones:

4 - 7

Native Range:

Northern North America

The Gardener's Notepad

Well known and commonly used as an accent, defining corners, flanking doorways, framing pathway entrances, etc. A good performer. They can be trimmed most any time of the year, and most growers will shape them in Winter so when they put on their Spring flush they're perfectly pyramidal and fluffy. While they are not terribly time sensitive on pruning, be aware that if they are sheared in mid-summer, they will look 'cut' until the following Spring when they grow out again. Those who prefer rigid perfection in the landscape can use this schedule. If you prefer your plants to look more natural, I would advise shearing before growth commences in Spring.

Secondly, one cannot talk about Alberta Spruce without mentioning spider mites, which can really mess them up. The most effective means of controlling them is an application of systemic insecticide. I don't recommend systemic chemicals for flowering plants due to the disastrous effects on our pollinator friends, and I could be mistaken about my next statement, but I don't think it is a problem when used on conifers since they are not a food source of beneficial insects. You should be able to 'nuke' these guys without guilt.