Botanical profile

Picea glauca 'Big Berta'

Latin name
Picea glauca Big Berta
Common name
White spruce 'Big Berta'
Type
TREE
Family
Pinaceae

Picea glauca 'Big Berta' is a vigorous selection of white spruce with a broad, rounded, and very dense habit, developed to offer a massive and structured presence in landscape designs. Its light to medium green foliage, finely arranged, maintains a supple and full texture all year round, even in windy or dry conditions. This variety is distinguished by its rapid yet balanced growth, its naturally low and wide shape, and its excellent hardiness. Ideal for full hedges, solitary plantings, or at the back of borders, it prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure. 'Big Berta' combines a generous form, ease of maintenance, and tolerance to difficult conditions, perfect for creating volume, privacy, and persistent greenery in the garden.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 2
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate, depending on the season
Fertilization
Spring, compost or gentle fertilizer if needed
Soil type
Well-drained, tolerant
Minimum temperature
-45°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Pinkish-red (female), pale yellow (male)
Fruiting
Small, light brown cones, sparse
Foliage color
Light to medium green
Foliage type
Evergreen (conifer)
Shape
Large rounded
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
3–4 m (10–13 ft)
Width
4–5 m (13–16 ft)
Growth rate
Moderate
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

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.