Picea glauca 'Spruce it Up' (Dwarf Alberta Spruce Variant)

Picea glauca 'Spruce it Up' attracts small birds and wildlife by providing shelter and cover. Its dense foliage is an ideal nesting site for small birds, and the cones may attract seed-eating wildlife, though it is not a major food source.

• Seasonality: Evergreen, providing year-round beauty with no seasonal leaf loss.
• Flowering Season: Conifers like Picea glauca 'Spruce it Up' produce small, inconspicuous cones rather than traditional flowers. Cones appear in spring and mature through summer.

• Year-Round Interest – Provides color and structure with blue-green needles and a neat conical shape
  
• Foundation Planting – Excellent accent near homes or structures due to its manageable size
  
• Rock Gardens & Small Spaces – Compact form makes it ideal for space-restricted gardens
  
• Formal or Informal Borders – Adds evergreen structure to mixed shrub beds or conifer groupings
  
• Winter Color – Holds color through cold seasons, brightening landscapes year-round
  
  Container Planting – Suitable for large pots on patios or entryways

The needle-like leaves are soft to the touch and tightly packed, giving the tree its dense, structured form. The vibrant green color remains consistent throughout the year, making it a striking feature in any landscape. The needles are fine-textured, contributing to the plant’s smooth, symmetrical appearance.

While not traditionally flowering, the plant produces small cones, typically brownish in color. These cones develop in spring and mature by late summer or early fall, but are not considered a focal point in garden designs.

How and When to Plant:

• Planting Season: Ideal planting times are early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil but can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-5 feet apart to allow for mature spread.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of the same depth.
2. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil.
3. Backfill with soil, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

Purning : Little pruning is necessary due to the natural, symmetrical shape of Picea glauca 'Spruce it Up'. If needed, prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid cutting back more than necessary, as this could disrupt its compact form and slow down growth even further.

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, this variety of spruce requires moderate water. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. During drought conditions, supplemental watering is beneficial.

This spruce thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For best growth and color retention, plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Harvesting : No harvesting is required for Picea glauca 'Spruce it Up', as it is mainly used for its ornamental qualities. The small cones that develop do not have significant use for decoration or practical purposes.

Fertilizing : Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10). Fertilization encourages healthy growth, especially when the plant is young. Established trees generally require little feeding but will benefit from an annual application.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and insulate the roots during extreme temperature changes.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: This plant is generally pest-resistant, but watch for spider mites, which can be a problem in hot, dry conditions. Regular watering and good air circulation will help minimize these issues.
• Winter Protection: Hardy to cold climates, but young plants or those in exposed locations may benefit from some wind protection during the harshest winter months.

Produces both male and female cones on the same plant and is pollinated by the wind. May develop small, brown seed cones—not ornamental and not edible

🌸 Flowering Shrubs & Perennials

• Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bobo’ – White flowers contrast beautifully with evergreen needles
  
• Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ – Deep burgundy foliage pairs well with blue-green tones
  
• Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) – Low-growing and fragrant with purple blooms
  

🌾 Grasses & Groundcovers

• Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ – Matches the cool color tone with soft texture
  
• Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Adds height variation and late-season interest
  
• Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) – Evergreen groundcover that softens the base of the spruce
  

🌲 Other Evergreens

• Thuja occidentalis ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’ – Rounded habit contrasts nicely with conical form
  
• Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Rug’ – Low-spreading and color-coordinated for ground coverage
  
• Pinus mugo ‘Mops’ – Dwarf pine with a mounded shape and yellow-green needles