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Creeping Norway Spruce

Picea abies 'Repens'

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Creeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Repens') at Green Thumb Nurseries

Creeping Norway Spruce

Creeping Norway Spruce

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Creeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Repens') at Green Thumb Nurseries

Creeping Norway Spruce foliage

Creeping Norway Spruce foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  30 inches

Spread:  5 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Other Names:  Norwegian Spruce

Description:

Here's one you might not have expected; a dwarf creeping spruce that more resembles a spreading juniper or yew, with dark green shoots arching out at 45 degree angles, eventually forms a mound in the center, can be used as a curious groundcover

Ornamental Features

Creeping Norway Spruce is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its broadly spreading habit of growth. It has dark green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The needles remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Creeping Norway Spruce is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Creeping Norway Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Creeping Norway Spruce will grow to be about 30 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Groundcover 
Applications
Texture  Plant Form  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features