The Dwarf Alberta Spruce (also known as the White Spruce) is arguably the most popular coniferous shrub in North America, and for very good reasons. Not the least of which is without any pruning or maintenance required, this compact conifer naturally attains a perfectly symmetrical pyramid form! In stark contrast to many of its evergreen relatives, the dense needles of a Dwarf Alberta Spruce are actually quite soft and fuzzy. This is an especially important attribute when considering what to plant in a yard for families with children. Although considered a slow growing shrub, this tendency is exactly the reason that Dwarf Alberta Spruce can grow just about anywhere in the United States! This evergreen naturally developed a slow rate of growth in order to live off of less nutrients when coping with extreme fluctuations in temperature that desert, mountain, and Northern climates often bring. The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is able to withstand temperatures below -45°F and is also incredibly drought-tolerant, using its slow metabolism as a strength to live through the most scorching summers and harshest winters. It will eventually reach a height between ten and twelve feet with a spread between four and five feet, although it could take over 25 years for this compact shrub to reach its full growth potential. With a USDA Cold Hardiness range between two and nine, the Dwarf Alberta grows almost anywhere in the United States. The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is the definition of low-maintenance, its lovely forest-green foliage naturally attains a symmetric pyramidal form, and is among the most resilient shrubs grown today!
What's great about the Dwarf Alberta Spruce?
- Arguably the most popular coniferous shrub in North America!
- This compact conifer naturally attains a perfectly symmetrical pyramid form!
- The dense needles of a Dwarf Alberta Spruce are actually quite soft.
- Able to withstand temperatures below -45°F and is also incredibly drought-tolerant!
- Uses slow rate of growth as a strength to withstand scorching summers and freezing winters.
