Species Norway spruce
low-growing, compact, round, dark-green shrub

Norway spruce

Picea abies 'Witch's Brood'

Also Known As - Norwegian Spruce
Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Witch's Brood') is a robust conifer with a neat, pyramid shape and evergreen needles that make it a popular ornamental choice. It grows quickly and can reach sizes of up to 50 ft in height and 30ft in width. Aphids and Ips typographus beetles are common pests and may damage your tree if not taken care of. With a resistance to cold, it is an ideal choice for colder climates and prefers partial to full sun and well-drained acidic soil. The Norway Spruce's ability to withstand high altitudes and snow adds to its appeal. This species of spruce is a great choice for urban or rural gardens looking for a little evergreen flair.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Witch's Brood') will need to be watered once a week to help keep the soil moist. Water until the soil is damp but not soggy, and water evenly around the pot. During the growing season, ensure soil is only allowed to dry out between waterings and is never overly dry, as this could cause the plant to become stressed. During winter, reduce watering to every 2 or 3 weeks as the plant will not require as much water to keep it healthy. Additionally, be sure to check the soil before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

sunlight

Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Witch's Brood') prefers full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. This species of conifer does well in a variety of climates, but it fares best when planted in areas with direct sun during most of the day, especially during the hours of 9 AM to 3 PM. Different parts of the tree may require more sun than others, so it’s important to ensure that all branches get an adequate amount of sunlight by examining the crown. Placing the tree in the right spot is essential for its survival and health.

pruning

Norway spruce typically requires pruning every 3 to 5 years. Pruning should be done in late winter or midsummer, when the tree is dormant. The primary purpose of pruning is to thin out crowded branches and to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Pruning should also be done to improve the overall shape of the Norway spruce. For optimum results, it is important to prune out the central leader and shorter branches to help open up the tree's canopy and create a pleasing shape. Pruning should be done with sharp tools and make sure to make cuts away from the trunk and close to collar. Pruning should not be done excessively as it will slow growth and possibly damage the tree.

Hardiness Map