Picea glauca 'Conica', Dwarf Alberta Spruce looks like a perfect miniature Christmas tree and is December's Plant of the month. To see this plant along with other plants of winter interest visit the Wilson Arboretum and Botanical Garden at 1806 S. Goldsboro Street.

Dwarf Alberta Spruce is an evergreen conifer, which can grow 10-12 feet in height over 30 years. It is a very slow grower, only about 2-4" per year so we rarely see mature specimens. The foliage is light green and the needles are ¼ to ½ inch long. The needles radiate around the stem. The bark can be attractive but the plant using is so thick with foliage you rarely see the thin, flaky, ashy brown to silvery bark.

It transplants readily and grows best in a moist loamy soil. Best grown in full sun.

This is one of the most common dwarf conifers and is widely available from nurseries and garden centers. It is an interesting specimen or novelty plant with a very conical habit. Many people use it in containers near the front door. Although this is a wonderful way to grow Dwarf Albert Spruce you must be diligent in watering the containers, even during the winter months.

The most common problem in our area which this plant is spider mite damage. We really are a Zone too warm for this plant which makes insect pressure even greater. Root rot, bagworms, and sawflies can also be a pest problem. It also can revert back to the species.

It is easily propagated by cuttings or by seed. Sports have arisen from 'Conica' and have given rise to other dwarf forms such as 'Rainbow's End' which has creamy-yellow new growth, 'Ed Hirle' which is more narrow, and 'Sander's Blue' which has blue-green needles.

For more information about the Wilson Arboretum or to review other Plants of the Month go to this website at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wilson/staff/clauderd/index.html

Date Created: 12/15/03.