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.
Tree Picea glauca [White Spruce] Best in full sun, but tolerates some shade. Withstands heat, cold, drought, wind, and crowding. Often found at the arctic tree line. 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.
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 omorika [Serbian Spruce] One of the most beautiful and valued spruces for landscape planting. More useful than most as a screen where space is limited because of narrow form. Needles can brown in windy exposed sites in winter. Can get aphids, budworms, and borers, though these are not usually serious problems.
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.
