Picea glauca ‘Spruce it Up’ (Kolmschag)
A very ornamental tree that is perfect for small spaces! Considered an improved dwarf white spruce cultivar compared to the traditional Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) for many reasons:
- Faster Growth
‘Spruce It Up’ is described as fast-growing for a dwarf spruce, reaching its mature size (6–7 ft) sooner than ‘Conica’, which is extremely slow-growing. - Better Form
Maintains a tidy pyramidal shape without as much pruning.
‘Conica’ can become irregular or develop gaps over time. - Color & Texture
‘Spruce It Up’ has bluish-green needles, giving a richer tone compared to the lighter green of ‘Conica’. - Hardiness & Health
Both are hardy to Zone 2, but ‘Spruce It Up’ is noted for better vigor and fewer issues if any with spider mites (a common problem on ‘Conica’). Some say its resistant or have not been observed as an issue on the ‘Spruce It Up’ cultivar which is still fairly new. It does however, perform better with protection from chinook west winds to prevent desiccation. - Size
‘Spruce It Up’ grows larger (6–7 ft) than ‘Conica’ (usually 3–5 ft), making it better for mid-sized landscapes while still being compact.
Size: #10 pot, approx. 4′ tall
Hardiness zone: 2
Height: 7′
Spread: 3′
Sunlight: full sun
Moisture: Prefers well-drained soil. Slightly acidic to neutral pH. Fairly drought tolerant once established, but in the first 1 to 2 years in its new ground, keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged to help with root establishment.
Suckering: No
Growth rate: approx. 6-8”/yr
