Parson's Dwarf Spruce
Picea abies 'Parson's Dwarf'
Height: 5 feet
Spread: 5 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Other Names: Gregoryana Parsonsii
Description:
A truly dwarfed version of the species with an almost 'alpine' appearance due its very irregular shape and thick needles; compact size is ideal for use in evergreen garden compositions
Ornamental Features
Parson's Dwarf Spruce is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its ornamental globe-shaped form. It has dark green evergreen foliage which emerges brown in spring. The needles remain dark green throughout the winter.
Landscape Attributes
Parson's Dwarf Spruce is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.
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.
Parson's Dwarf Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Parson's Dwarf Spruce will grow to be about 5 feet 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, and is suitable for planting under power lines. 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.
