Tree Picea abies f. pendula [Weeping Norway Spruce] As its common name suggests, the Weeping Norway Spruce has a drooping habit and pendulous branches. This plant's irregular form varies depending on how it is trained, and it may even spread along the ground if left unsupported. Slight mite susceptibility in hot, dry sites. Some susceptibility to borers.
Shrub Picea abies 'Nidiformis' [Bird's Nest Spruce] 'Nidiformis' is a commonly available dwarf cultivar that is flat, compact, and dense. Many times there is a depression or "nest" in the center of the plant. Slight mite susceptibility in hot, dry sites. Some susceptibility to borers.
Shrub Picea abies 'Pumila' [Dwarf Norway Spruce] 'Pumila' is a dwarf cultivar with a dense, flattend, globular form. The upper branches reach upward, while the lower branches spread outward. Slight mite susceptibility in hot, dry sites. Some susceptibility to borers.
Shrub/Tree Picea glauca var. conica [Dwarf Alberta Spruce] This commonly available dwarf variety has a very dense, conical habit. Best in full sun, but tolerates some shade. Withstands heat, cold, drought, wind, and crowding. Slight susceptibility to trunk and root rots, bagworms, sawflies, and mites. Except for its use in the far North, other evergreens have better overall aesthetics for Midwestern and Eastern states.
Tree Picea glauca var. densata [Black Hills Spruce] Widely considered a superior form, this variety is denser and more compact with brighter foliage, when compared to the straight species . Best in full sun, but tolerates some shade. Withstands heat, cold, drought, wind, and crowding. Slight susceptibility to trunk and root rots, bagworms, sawflies, and mites.
Tree Picea orientalis [Oriental Spruce] Generally considered a better choice for the landscape than P. abies (Norway Spruce) or P. glauca (White Spruce). Best in cooler climates; does not always tolerate southern heat and humidity well. In order to prevent desiccation and needle browning, protection from harsh winter winds is advisable for plants grown in colder climates.
Tree Picea pungens [Colorado Spruce] One of the most striking of the conifers in color and habit, especially f. glauca. Some drought tolerance. Cost of most glaucous forms is high because they are produced by grafting and then intensively pruned to shape in nursery rows. Must be used with restraint because the strong blue color (especially prominent in f. glauca) does not combine well with other plantings in the landscape. Some susceptibility to Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid (Adelges cooleyi).
Tree Picea pungens f. glauca [Colorado Blue Spruce] One of the most striking of the conifers in color and habit. Some drought tolerance. Cost of most glaucous forms is high because they are produced by grafting and then intensively pruned to shape in nursery rows. Must be used with restraint because the strong blue color does not combine well with other plantings in the landscape. Some susceptibility to Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid (Adelges cooleyi).
Shrub/Tree Picea pungens f. glauca 'Baby Blueyes' [Baby Blueyes Colorado Blue Spruce] 'Baby Blueeyes' is a pyramidal, semi-dwarf cultivar with densely set, bluish-gray needles. Some drought tolerance. Cost of most glaucous forms is high because they are produced by grafting and then intensively pruned to shape in nursery rows. Must be used with restraint because the strong blue color does not combine well with other plantings in the landscape. Some susceptibility to Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid (Adelges cooleyi).
Tree Picea pungens f. glauca 'Fastigiata' [Columnar Colorado Blue Spruce] 'Fastigiata' is a striking conifer with its intense blue-colored foliage and columnar habit. Some drought tolerance. Blue spruce must be used with restraint because it does not combine well with other plantings in the landscape. Some susceptibility to Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid (Adelges cooleyi).
