Picea abies 'Pendula' (Weeping Norway Spruce)


Michael's Opinion

A rather brash but loveable form of the Norway spruce. Its bold, distinct form causes it to be quite pronounced in the landscape so caution is needed in its use.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusPicea
Speciesabies
Cultivar'Pendula'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3–8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone3a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-37
Temperature (°F)-35
Height5–7.5 m
Spread3 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General Description‘Pendula’ is an irregularly shaped weeping evergreen tree that can be trained in a variety of ways for specimen use. It can also serve as a woody ground cover or cascade over a stone wall.
ID CharacteristicThis cultivar has a distinctive weeping habit.
ShapeWhen staked and grown upright, it is conical to pyramidal with weeping branches.
PropagationPropagated by grafting. Cuttings taken in December from the lower portion of the tree; are grafted onto the P . abies rootstock.
CultivationIt is a relatively low maintenance tree that is better adapted for colder climates. It will do best in full sun and it must be staked and trained to grow upwards. It prefers moist conditions at a young age, but will not tolerate standing in water. Soil type or pH is not of high importance but preferably it should be well-drained. It is able to handle salt and urban pollution.
PestsNo serious insect or disease problems but it can be susceptible to canker, aphids, spruce budworm and mites.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGray and thin bark on young trees which thickens into flaking surface scales at maturity.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionRed or light brown conical shaped, not resinous, approximately 6 mm long.
Leaf DescriptionStiff and sharp dark green needles approximately 2 cm long.
Flower DescriptionMonoecious. The males are axillary and red, the females are terminal and are a darker red, approx. 2.5 cm.
Fruit DescriptionCylindrical cones hanging from the end of branches. They are approximately 7.5–15 cm long and 2–5 cm wide, green when young; brown when mature; quite pronounced.
Colour DescriptionThe foliage emerges lime green in the spring. The needles do not develop any appreciable autumn colour. Bark is grey–brown.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs