Spruce, (Norway) Columnar Picea abies 'Cupressina' Height: 20 feet Spread: 4 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 4a Other Names: Norwegian Spruce Description: This narrow fastigiate form of this spruce is in high demand for urban and boundary plantings where strong vertical accents are desired; this selection grows quite quickly and withstands snow loads better than other columnar types Ornamental Features Spruce, (Norway) Columnar is primarily valued in the landscape for its rigidly columnar form. It has rich green evergreen foliage. The needles remain green throughout the winter. Landscape Attributes Spruce, (Norway) Columnar is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. 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. 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. Spruce, (Norway) Columnar is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Spruce, (Norway) Columnar will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It has a low canopy, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 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. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. 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. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. Special Attributes The cones are 4 to 7 inches long, cylindrical hanging from branches against the dark green foliage. In some areas of the world spruce are considered drought tolerant, that depends on when does it rain. In the Pacific Northwest Desert evergreens need to be watered during the winter as well as the growing season. Our desert climate especially in late winter to early spring evergreens can suffer during next growing season. An easy way to remember check for dryness is on the holidays Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Valentines Day & Easter.
