Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Picea glauca var. albertiana 'Conica', White Spruce

Picea glauca var. albertiana 'Conica' 
 Dwarf Alberta White Spruce

This is by far the most popular tree at this time of year and its neat conical shape makes it a favourite to grow in a large pot, in the garden or to bring inside. It is a fantastic plant in the garden for use as a specimen where a formal element is required such as close to the house entrance or as a focal point amongst more lax growing perennials. Because it is slow growing, advanced specimens can be expensive to buy but there are always plenty of small ones available. It can be difficult to grow here on the coast as it does not like humidity which can encourage infestations of Red spider mite. You know when these mites have attacked it as small brown patches or "dieback" starts to occur in isolated spots which spoil the overall appearance. This small growing form was originally found in the wild. Its larger growing parent is pictured below.

Decorative Cones on the White Spruce, Picea glauca

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