AN ICONIC AND EASY-TO-GROW EVERGREEN: THE NORWAY SPRUCE
When you imagine the classic Christmas tree, there's a good chance you're picturing a Norway spruce. But this tree is not just for Christmas. It may be one of the most iconic trees in Western culture; It may also be one of the most versatile. With a vast range across much of Europe and naturalized forests in North America, it is a resilient and adaptable evergreen.
These beautiful, iconic evergreens grow fast, adding 2-3 feet every year until it reaches a mature height (40-60 feet), and can thrive in USDA growing zones 3-8 (Indianapolis ranges from zone 5b to 6a). Norway spruce will happily grow in acidic soils that many other species won’t tolerate, but it does not tolerate drought well, preferring moist but well-drained soils.
With their rapid growth and high tolerance of urban pollution, they are trees that thrive in Indianapolis and make excellent choices for shelterbelts, windscreens, privacy or reforestation. If size is an issue, luckily, there are many varieties of Norway spruce trees—from tall to shrub to columnar and dwarf varieties—it’s just a matter of what suits your landscape design.
When to Plant
The best time to plant a Norway spruce tree is in the spring or early fall—try to get yours planted a minimum of 6 weeks before the first frost. Our first frost in Indianapolis is usually around the middle of October, so get planting soon!
How to Plant
While they don't require fussy soil prep or special products, there are a few things to keep in mind when planting Norway spruce trees.
Give it space: Some of the larger varieties can get up to 60 feet tall and 25 feet wide! Make sure they have room to grow and are not going to crowd other trees, houses, fences, sidewalks, or the road when they're fully grown.
Dig a wide hole: Norway spruces don't need an especially deep hole, but the roots appreciate room to spread out. Ideally, the base of the trunk should be an inch or two above the soil level when you've filled in around the root ball.
Watering requirements: Newly planted trees should be watered deeply once or twice per week until a hard frost hits. For the first few years, they should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. For deep watering, set your hose under the tree, and let it run on a slow trickle. Move the hose to a different spot under the tree every 20-25 minutes (set a timer so you don't forget!) until you've watered all the way around the tree. Note: They do not tolerate soggy soil; they prefer moist but well-drained conditions.
Fertilizer: You can fertilize regularly with a slow-release, evergreen fertilizer in its first season. Once the tree is well established, you can feed it annually in the spring—although it's not always necessary. If you're not sure what fertilizer is appropriate, the staff at our garden center can help you choose the right one.
Let it grow: The best part— they don't require much maintenance, so enjoy watching the growth of your new tree. They can add quite a bit of height each year!
The Many Varieties of Norway Spruce
We carry a few different varieties of Norway spruce at our garden center, from short shrubs to full-size Christmas tree types. If you're not sure which variety will suit your location and needs best, come have a chat with our horticulturalists. The experts can help you decide which choice is best for you.
The classic Christmas tree: tall, straight, and triangular, with dense branches that droop slightly. This parent variety can reach heights of up to 60 feet tall and 25 feet wide in the right conditions. This tree is excellent for shelterbelts, windbreaks, or adding privacy to rural property. Prefers full sunlight, should live for 70 years or more.
This narrow variety is tall and straight, with dense branches. It reaches heights around 30 feet tall, and only 10 feet wide. This type of Norway spruce is an excellent choice for urban parks and smaller yards. Prefers full sun, and should live for 50 years or more.
This fascinating shrub variety has a very unique look. Formanek only grows to about 2 feet tall, but can spread over 5 feet wide, creating a dense mat of evergreen branches. Its branches can be trained and will drape beautifully over rocks. Formanek is an excellent groundcover option. This variety does grow slower, likes full sun (but can tolerate some shade), and will live for 50 years or more.
Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder
Hildburghausen is a dwarf shrub variety, which grows into a beautiful globe of dense evergreen branches. The unique spherical shape adds visual interest throughout the year. At full maturity, it should be about 3 feet tall and wide. This shrub prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, grows slower than others, and should live for 50 years or more.
This dwarf variety creates a dense, compact, evergreen mound. At full maturity, dwarf Norway spruce can reach up to 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide. This variety prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It should live for 50 years or more.
The weeping Norway spruce has a unique artistic style. Its central leader tips over and trails back down towards the ground on whatever path it prefers. Its dense branches trail gracefully along, creating its intriguing shape. The weeping shape makes it a great focal point in landscaping. This variety does grow slowly but should reach 25 feet tall at full maturity, and can spread up to 10 feet wide. It prefers full sunlight and should live for 60 or more years.
‘Little Gem’ is an ultra-compact shrub, reaching only 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide at full maturity. It's a lovely ornamental accent for any landscape. ‘Little Gem’ prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, and should live for 50 years or more.
Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder
Little Gem Spruce (tree form)
There is also a tree form of ‘Little Gem’. It's also very small, reaching 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. This cute miniature variety adds unique interest to your landscaping. It has the same care requirements as the standard Little Gem.
‘Birds Nest’ is a dense spreading shrub. It will reach about 4 feet tall and spread about 5 feet wide. Its dense foliage fills space well and develops a slight concave dent in the center, like a nest. ‘Birds Nest’ spruce prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade, and should last 50 years or more.
Have you fallen in love with Norway spruce trees yet? If you'd like to accent your landscaping with one of these iconic trees, we can help you. The experts at our garden center in Indianapolis can help you choose the best option for your style and location, and our landscaping team can even help you plant it.