James H. Schutte
Family
Pinaceae
Botanical Name
PICEA glauca var. albertiana 'Conica'
Plant Common Name
Alberta Spruce, Dwarf Alberta Spruce
General Description
Alberta spruce is a large evergreen conifer from southwestern Canada, Montana, and Wyoming. Its dwarf cultivar 'Conica' is widely planted and admired for its compact, pyramidal habit.
Discovered in Alberta in 1904, 'Conica' grows slowly into a large conical shrub whose fine, dense, bright green foliage gives it a mossy appearance. Crushed needles emit a pungent, skunky smell.
White spruce grows its finest in full sun and moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. This dwarf conifer tolerates drought, salt, extreme cold, and other environmental stresses. Prolonged exposure to very cold, dry winter winds will lead to foliage and twig dieback. This cultivar is useful for foundation plantings, containers, hedges, mixed borders, entryways, and rock gardens. In hot summer areas, watch for spidermite infestations during drier parts of the growing season.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 7
-
Sunset Zone
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
-
Plant Type
Needled or Scaled Evergreen
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m
-
Width
4'-8' / 1.2m - 2.4m
-
Native To
Canada
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Average
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Tolerances
Drought, Salt
-
Growth Rate
Slow
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Habit
Pyramidal
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Insignificant
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Gray Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Gray Green
-
Bark Color
Brown
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
Yes
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Fine
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Bark Texture
Platy
-
Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
No