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Silver Blue Serbian Spruce foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  Silberblau Serbian Spruce

Description:

Pyramidal form and dense graceful branches producing fine green needles with silver blue undersides; a habit that is wider at the bottom, sweeping up to a spire; this stunning tree commands attention; loves deep rich well drained soil and full sun

Ornamental Features

Silver Blue Serbian Spruce is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has attractive green foliage with silvery blue undersides which emerges light green in spring. The needles are highly ornamental and remain green throughout the winter. The smooth brick red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Silver Blue Serbian Spruce is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Silver Blue Serbian Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Silver Blue Serbian Spruce will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.