Picea abies

Picea abies, the Norway spruce, is a coniferous evergreen tree native to northern, central, and eastern Europe.  A popular choice for a Christmas tree, Norway spruce are densely covered with short, soft, dark green nettles that smell fresh and piney.  Norway spruce branches grow at an upward angle, ranging from completely vertical to a gentle incline, presenting a generally conical shape.  Green to reddish seed cones are produced in the spring and summer, daintily hanging like ornaments, though seeds are not typically produced until the tree reaches 40 years of age.  Mature seed cones are usually a deep, glossy brown and persist on the tree for several months.  Commercially, Norway spruce wood is used for a variety of commodities, ranging from building timber to musical instruments and paper.  The wood is considered easy to process and cut, grows straight, and is nearly free of hidden defects.  

Provide Norway spruce with a location that receives a minimum of six hours of sun exposure daily, with the tree's health corresponding to its provided light level.  Rich, well-draining, sandy soils with a slight acidity are ideal for growing Norway spruce.  For a Norway spruce's first year, provide deep, infrequent waterings consistently to promote optimal growth.  Once established, these plants should only require supplemental watering in periods of extended drought.  Being adapted to the cold winters of northern Europe, Norway spruce are very cold-hardy but fair poorly in warmer climates.  Fertilizing is not necessary when growing Norway spruce, with the only soil amendment recommended is to ensure that it is slightly acidic.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.