Picea glauca 'Conica' – A Charming, Compact Evergreen with Perfectly Sculpted Form
Picea glauca 'Conica', commonly known as the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, is a classic conifer that brings a touch of elegance and structure to any garden. With its naturally conical shape, dense branches, and rich green foliage, this compact evergreen is a popular choice for both formal and informal landscapes. Often growing to a height of 1.2 to 2.5 meters (4 to 8 feet), 'Conica' retains its neat, pyramidal form without requiring much pruning, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners who want a tree with architectural appeal. Whether used as a specimen tree, part of a foundation planting, or in container gardening, Picea glauca 'Conica' is a versatile and charming addition that offers year-round interest.
Why Grow Picea glauca 'Conica'?
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Compact, Pyramidal Shape – Known for its naturally conical form, 'Conica' offers a neat, symmetrical appearance that brings structure and formality to any garden or landscape.
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Rich Green Foliage – The soft, rich green needles maintain their vibrant color throughout the year, adding consistency and beauty to the garden.
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Low Maintenance – This slow-growing, compact evergreen requires minimal pruning to maintain its perfect shape, making it a hassle-free choice for busy gardeners.
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Versatile & Hardy – 'Conica' is adaptable to a variety of growing conditions and thrives in many climates, from cooler regions to more temperate zones. Its compact size makes it ideal for small gardens, containers, or as an accent plant.
Height and Size of Picea glauca 'Conica'
Picea glauca 'Conica' typically grows to a height of 1.2 to 2.5 meters (4 to 8 feet) with a spread of about 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) at maturity. Its slow growth rate makes it perfect for smaller spaces, and its upright, conical form adds structure and interest without overwhelming the surrounding plants.
Where to Site Your Picea glauca 'Conica'
This adaptable shrub thrives in:
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Full Sun to Partial Shade – While it prefers full sun for optimal growth, 'Conica' can also tolerate partial shade, though it may not grow as quickly or uniformly in shadier conditions.
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Well-Drained, Moist Soils – 'Conica' prefers slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. It does not tolerate overly wet conditions, so it’s important to ensure good drainage.
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Small Gardens & Containers – Due to its compact size, 'Conica' is ideal for small gardens, foundation plantings, or even large containers, making it a versatile choice for a variety of garden designs.
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Formal Gardens & Landscaping – The symmetrical shape of 'Conica' lends itself beautifully to formal garden settings, topiary designs, or creating defined focal points in a structured landscape.
How to Grow and Care for Your Picea glauca 'Conica'
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Soil – Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Ensure the soil is not too heavy or clay-like, as it can retain too much moisture and cause root rot.
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Light – Grows best in full sun, where it will develop its rich green color and dense form. It can tolerate partial shade but may not maintain its best shape or vibrant color.
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Watering – Keep the soil consistently moist during the establishment period, but once established, 'Conica' is fairly drought-tolerant. However, it performs best with regular watering, particularly in dry periods.
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Pruning – This slow-growing tree requires minimal pruning. However, occasional trimming to remove dead or damaged branches can help maintain its neat, conical shape. Generally, it does not require much care in terms of shape maintenance.
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Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and protect the tree from extreme temperatures, especially in colder climates.
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Pest & Disease Resistance – Picea glauca 'Conica' is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, though it can occasionally be susceptible to spider mites or fungal issues in very humid conditions. Regular care can minimize these risks.
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Cold Hardy – Extremely cold-hardy, 'Conica' thrives in colder climates and can withstand winter temperatures down to USDA hardiness zone 2, making it an excellent choice for northern gardens.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Picea glauca 'Conica' pairs beautifully with a variety of plants, including:
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Colorful Flowering Plants – The soft green foliage of 'Conica' offers a perfect backdrop for vibrant flowers, such as tulips, pansies, or peonies, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
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Perennial Border Plants – Combine with low-growing perennials like hostas, astilbes, or daylilies to create a lush and layered garden design that offers interest throughout the year.
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Other Conifers & Evergreens – 'Conica' pairs well with other conifers or evergreen shrubs like boxwood or juniper, helping to create a multi-dimensional garden with contrasting textures.
Whether used as a striking specimen tree, as part of a formal hedge, or in a container to adorn patios and decks, Picea glauca 'Conica' offers timeless beauty and elegance. Its compact size, pyramidal form, and rich green foliage make it a versatile and attractive addition to any garden, providing year-round structure and interest with minimal maintenance.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
