Spruce, Serbian Silver Blue

Description

Spruces are prized for their color and distinct form that holds up well even with age. Serbian spruces are symmetrical, formal-looking trees with strong wood and dense foliage made up of short, square, two-tone needles. They have slender, graceful trunks and short branches. They’re some of the most adaptable spruces for the midwest, a good alternative to Colorado blue spruces. Ascending branches show off silver undersides of needles on this dense, pyramidal form. Prefer moderately moist, well-drained soil but perform well in clay soils of the Midwest. Serbian spruces are more drought tolerant than other species. They can be planted in most average soils in the area with enough moisture during establishment. Avoid pruning lower branches, they will help shade and cool the soil. Effective as windbreaks.Because they’re slow growing (no more than 12-15 inches per year), Spruces form a dense habit that rarely needs pruning. If needed, prune just the new growth in the spring as it is forming.Photo courtesy of Iseli.