Species Serbian spruce
Pyramidal shape tree with blue-green, dense foliage

Serbian spruce

Picea omorika 'Berliner's Weeper'

Serbian spruce (Picea omorika 'Berliner's Weeper') is a vigorous evergreen tree native to Europe. Its closely arranged, bright-green needles are accompanied by drooping, weeping branches lined with hanging cones. This slow-growing species will eventually reach up to 20 feet (6 meters) in height with a spread of 12 feet (4 meters). It prefers cooler climates and is fairly hardy and tolerant. It is an impressive addition to gardens, gardenscapes, and can also be used as a solitary specimen or specimen tree. Its open, bright canopy also makes it an accessible choice for wildlife and bird gardens.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Serbian spruce should be watered on a regular basis, but needs should be evaluated based on the environment it's in. Generally, the plant should be watered deeply when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. During the summer, the soil can become dry daily, and during the winter it may stay hydrated for a week or more. During times of extreme heat, you may need to water the plant twice a day. Be sure to monitor the soil moisture and water when necessary to keep the Serbian spruce healthy.

sunlight

Serbian spruce (Picea omorika 'Berliner's Weeper') thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It is best grown in areas that receive direct sunlight at some point during the day. The best time for Serbian spruce to receive direct sunlight is during the morning. During the summer months, the sun is at its highest between 10 am and 4 pm, so receiving direct sunlight during the morning is the most beneficial for the plant. During the winter months, sunlight will be more intense in the mornings, so the plant should still receive 6 hours of direct sunlight, but preferably in the earlier part of the morning.

pruning

Pruning a Serbian spruce (Picea omorika 'Berliner's Weeper') should take place annually, once the tree has reached maturity. During the 1st and 2nd year after planting, pruning should only be done if necessary to shape the tree or to remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning should occur in the winter or early spring, before the tree breaks dormancy and begins to produce new growth. To maintain the tree's natural, pyramidal habit, lateral branches should be pruned back to 1-third of their current length. To encourage healthy new growth, thin out the inner canopy by removing any congested or crossing branches. Branches should be pruned so that the cuts are made just above a healthy bud or lateral branch. Be sure to take into account the natural growth pattern of the tree and try to remove as few branches as possible in order to maintain the desired shape.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Picea omorika 'Berliner's Weeper' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map