Digging deeperPlant Library

Pumila Norway Spruce

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  Norwegian Spruce

Description:

Fresh green needles and a compact habit make this slow growing dwarf evergreen a great choice for smaller landscapes and rock gardens; features a wide irregular shape and flat top and is a superior choice for its vigor and hardiness

Ornamental Features

Pumila Norway Spruce is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its ornamental globe-shaped form. It has dark green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The needles remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Pumila Norway Spruce is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Pumila Norway Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Pumila Norway Spruce will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This shrub 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, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. 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.