Picea abies 'Pumila' (Pumila Dwarf Norway Spruce)


Michael's Opinion

This dwarf evergreen would make an excellent addition to a small garden. It is quite a character because it does not know whether it wants to be a ground cover, shrub or small tree. While its lower branches spread horizontally, the uppermost branches reach for the sky. It is very versatile, coming in a variety of forms and colours; it would suit almost anyone’s needs for a new addition.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusPicea
Speciesabies
Cultivar'Pumila'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1a - 6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-40 - (-12)
Temperature (°F)-40 - 10
Height1 m
Spread1.5 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionPicea abies 'Pumlia' is a slow-growing, dwarf cultivar with a dense, flattened, globe-like form. Foliage varies from dark green to reddish brown.
ID CharacteristicA dwarf spruce with stiff needles, dark green to reddish brown foliage, brown cones that persist through winter, and grey-brown, flaking bark.
ShapeCompact, globular and very broad.
LandscapeA low-maintenance tree that adds structure and texture to your yard or garden. Can be grown in containers. Makes a good foundation plant against buildings. Attracts birds.
PropagationPrimarily by grafting but also from cuttings taken in November to February; best results are achieved from cuttings taken in December. No rooting hormone is required.
CultivationShould be planted in a sunny, moderately moist and well-drained, sandy location with slightly acidic soil. If pruning is needed, prune during early spring.
PestsSusceptible to red spider, spruce gall aphid, budworm and borers.
Notable SpecimensReiman Gardens, Iowa State University, Iowa, United States of America. Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University, Massachusetts, United States of America.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBark on young trees is thin. On mature trees it is thick with small, thin, grey-brown flakes.
Leaf Description1 - 2.5 cm long, stiff, dark green to reddish brown, cross-sections are rhombic.
Flower DescriptionNon-flowering.
Fruit DescriptionYoung cones are rosette-shaped, up to 60 mm long and have reddish or light brown scales with spreading tips. Mature cones are pendulous, cylindrical, 13 - 15 cm long, and brown.
Colour DescriptionColour varies from plant to plant. It ranges anywhere from dark green to light or reddish brown.

Photographs