Serbian Spruce

Characteristics

• Height: 40-60 feet
• Spread: 15-20 feet
• Habit/Form: Upright pyramidal
• Zones: 4-7
• Growth Rate: Slow

Cultural Requirements

Serbian Spruce is a low maintenance evergreen tree. It prefers well-drained soils with moderate moisture and adequate organic matter, along with full sun to partial shade. Unlike other spruce species, Serbian Spruce is tolerant of hot, humid climates and areas with higher air pollution levels, making it a desirable choice as a street tree. The Serbian spruce has minimal disease and insect problems, only reporting a few issues with select insects.

Ornamental Features

Serbian spruce makes a beautiful specimen tree. With its slender, upright growth habit, the branches gracefully drape down, similar to the Norway Spruce. Unlike the Norway Spruce, this spruce stays more compact and is great for tighter spaces. The needles are bright green with a silvery underside that stands out and adds dimension to the plant. The cones on this evergreen tree emerge as a purple color, changing to a brown. An underused tree makes a great substitute to the commonly known and overused Colorado Spruce.

Landscape Uses

Use as a tree to add scale and height to a garden, in groupings or tightly spaced in windbreaks.