Picea pungens 'Compacta'

Dwarf spruce is a needled evergreen tree in the pine family (Pinaceae). It is a variety of Colorado spruce, a native of the western United States. The origin of this variety is not known.

This tree needs average, well-drained soil in full sun. It does best in cool-weather summers and will grow more slowly in the hot, humid Southeast. Native trees will be a better choice for North Carolina, although dwarf spruce may tolerate the summer weather in the North Carolina mountains. It is slow growing, reaching only 1 to 5 feet in 10 years.

This spruce is a compact, densely branched, flat-topped evergreen with long blue, sharp-tipped needles.  Over time, its low horizontal branches form a skirt that spreads along the ground. 

If planted in the landscape, blue spruce makes an attractive specimen or accent plant. Its size makes it suitable in small spaces.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant has no serious pest issues but can be affected by aphids, scale, budworms and bagworms. New growth and overall health of this tree can be affected by spider mites.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Picea pungens.