Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

Picea glauca var. albertiana(JEAN'S DILLY®)

Image of Picea glauca var. albertiana (JEAN'S DILLY®)

James H. Schutte

Family

Pinaceae

Botanical Name

Picea glauca var. albertiana(JEAN'S DILLY®)

Plant Common Name

Alberta Spruce

General Description

Originating in 1981 from a witch's broom of dwarf Alberta spruce, 'Jean's Dilly' is narrower, slower-growing, and finer-textured than its parent. Dwarf Alberta spruce is a widely planted, compact selection of Picea glauca var. albertiana, a large evergreen conifer native to southwestern Canada, Montana, and Wyoming.

Growing about a thumb's length per year, 'Jean's Dilly' eventually forms a dense, narrowly conical, shoulder-high shrub. Its tiny, whorled, green to dark-green needles give it a feathery appearance. Crushed needles emit a pungent, skunky smell.

This cultivar excels in lots of sun and fertile, moist, well-drained soil. It also tolerates drought, salt, extreme cold, and other environmental stresses, but excessive exposure to cold, dry winter winds leads to foliage burning and dieback. Its upright, symmetrical, dwarf habit suits it for rock gardens, containers, and formal borders. Monitor for spidermites during the warmest, driest parts of summer.

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

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m

  • Width

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Native To

    Western United States, Canada

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Tolerances

    Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Very Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Pyramidal

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    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

    Alpine, Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No