Name: Picea abies
Brand: Pépinière.ca
Availability: OutOfStock

Latin name

Picea abies

Common name

Norway spruce

Type

Coniferous

Family

Pinaceae

Picea abies, better known as Norway spruce, is a classic ornamental conifer valued for its regular pyramidal shape and persistent dark green foliage. Its dense, flexible branches create a natural texture that remains decorative all year round, even in winter. With its slender and structured habit, it brings height, depth, and a strong vegetative presence to large landscape designs. Its timeless appeal makes it a versatile choice for both residential gardens and larger spaces.

Thanks to its vigorous growth and well-defined conical shape, the Norway spruce can be used as an accent tree, a specimen plant, a visual screen, a windbreak, or a structural element in a conifer planting. It is particularly suitable for large gardens, open areas, and landscapes where a lasting green mass is desired. Its evergreen foliage forms an ideal backdrop for showcasing flowering shrubs, perennials, or other conifers with contrasting colors. Planted alone, it becomes a strong visual landmark; in groups, it creates a natural and enveloping effect.

Very hardy and well adapted to cold climates, Picea abies prefers a sunny to semi-shady exposure and well-drained, fresh, and fertile soil. However, it tolerates a variety of conditions, making it a robust conifer that is relatively easy to integrate into different landscape projects. Regular watering during the first few years promotes good root establishment, especially during hot or dry periods. Once well established, it requires little maintenance and naturally retains its elegant shape, offering a durable, green, and majestic structure to the garden.

Care guide

Care level

Low to moderate

Choosing this plant

Main benefit

Classic pyramidal habit, evergreen dark green foliage and great versatility in landscaping.

Specimen tree, large garden, visual screen, windbreak, informal hedge, solitary planting, conifer bed, or structural landscaping.

Container growing

Possible in a very large container during the first few years only, but better suited for long-term in-ground planting. Provide a deep container, good drainage, and regular watering, especially during hot periods.

Seasonal care

Water regularly during the first few seasons to encourage rooting. Add mulch at the base to retain soil moisture, without covering the crown. No significant pruning is necessary, except to remove dead or damaged branches.

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone

Zone 2 to 7

Exposure

Sun to partial shade

Watering

Moderate to regular

Humidity

Cool, slightly damp, well-drained soil

Fertilization

Balanced spring salad

Soil type

Well-drained, tolerant

Soil pH

Acid to slightly acidic

Minimum temperature

-40°C

Propagation method

Sowing

Blooming period

Spring

Flower color

Not significant

Fruiting

Hanging cones (not major ornamentals)

Foliage color

Dark green

Foliage type

Persistent

Shape

Pyramidal, conical, and regular

Height

15–30 m (49–98 ft)

Width

6–10 m (20–33 ft)

Growth rate

Moderate to fast

Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants

Conifers, ornamental grasses, ferns, hostas, rhododendrons, azaleas, Japanese maples, woodland perennials

Plants to avoid

Avoid very competitive plants or plants that retain too much moisture at their base

Spacing

20 to 33 ft (6 to 10 m)

Pets

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.