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

Latin name

*Picea abies* ‘Acrocona’

Common name

Norway Spruce 'Acrocona'

Type

Coniferous

Family

Pinaceae

Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ is a compact and highly ornamental Norway spruce, recognized for its abundant production of reddish-purple cones from a young age. These cones appear in spring at the tips of the branches, a phenomenon called acrocony, which gives this variety a unique visual interest. Their vivid color contrasts beautifully with the dark green foliage, then evolves into pale brown tones at maturity. Even outside of this spectacular period, its dense evergreen foliage maintains a beautiful presence in the garden all year round.

Its irregular, conical, and slightly spreading habit gives it a natural, flexible, and characterful silhouette. Unlike very strict or perfectly symmetrical conifers, Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ has a more architectural appearance, with branches that are sometimes arched, adding movement to the landscaping. It is particularly interesting as a specimen plant, where its colorful cones and distinctive shape can be fully showcased. It can also be integrated into a conifer bed, a large rockery, or a textured arrangement to add dimension and an original touch.

Very hardy and easy to grow, this spruce prefers a sunny exposure and well-drained, fresh, and fertile soil. It requires little maintenance once well established, apart from regular watering during the first few seasons to promote strong root development. Its moderate growth and more compact size than the species type make it easier to integrate into residential gardens. With its spectacular cones, evergreen foliage, and naturally decorative habit, Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ is an ideal conifer for creating a vibrant, original, and lasting focal point.

Care guide

Care level

Low to moderate

Choosing this plant

Main benefit

Very decorative reddish-purple cones in spring, produced from a young age at the tips of the branches.

Specimen tree, isolated planting, conifer bed, large garden, large rockery, natural landscaping, spring focal point or structural conifer.

Container growing

Possible in a large container during the first few years, but better suited for open ground in the long term. Provide a deep pot, excellent drainage, and regular watering, especially during hot weather.

Seasonal care

Water regularly during the first seasons to encourage root development. Add mulch at the base to retain soil moisture, without covering the crown. No significant pruning is necessary, except to remove dead branches or slightly control the shape as needed.

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone

Zone 3 to 7

Exposure

Sun

Watering

Moderate watering

Humidity

Cool, slightly moist, well-drained soil

Fertilization

Slow-release fertilizer in spring. Fertilize monthly or as directed on the bag. Not recommended – use Bionik rooter or bone meal.

Soil type

Cool, fertile, slightly acidic and well-drained

Soil pH

Acid to slightly acid

Minimum temperature

'-40°C

Propagation method

Grafting

Blooming period

Not significant

Fruiting

Reddish-purple cones in spring, ripening to pale brown

Foliage color

Dark green

Foliage type

Persistent

Shape

Shrubby

Height

2.5 to 3 m (8 to 10 feet)

Width

3 m (10 feet)

Growth rate

average

Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants

Dwarf conifers, ornamental grasses, ferns, hostas, rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, Japanese maples

Plants to avoid

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

Spacing

10 to 13 ft (3 to 4 m)

Pets

Deer

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.