Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Norwegian Spruce

Description:

This extremely prostrate and slow growing variety will become a dense mat over time; if staked or trained its weeping branches will fall in a cascade and create a pendulous form; excellent for creeping over rocks or any groundcover application

Ornamental Features

Formanek 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

Formanek Norway Spruce is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

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.

Formanek Norway Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Formanek Norway Spruce will grow to be about 24 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.