Picea abies Acrocona (Norway Spruce)

Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ (Norway Spruce) is a small evergreen tree noted for its abundant raspberry red cones adorning the branch tips in spring. Produced even on young plants, they contrast nicely with the lime green foliage and turn this Norway Spruce into a standout in the spring garden. In summer, the cones mature to pale brown while the foliage changes back to a quieter dark green color.

Picea abies 'Acrocona' (Norway Spruce) is a small evergreen tree noted for its abundant raspberry red cones adorning the branch tips in spring. Produced even on young plants, they contrast nicely with the lime green foliage and turn this Norway Spruce into a standout in the spring garden. In summer, the cones mature to pale brown while the foliage changes back to a quieter dark green color. Forming a broad, spreading pyramid with drooping branches, it is a fast grower, 15-18 in. per year (37-45 cm). A beauty among Norway spruces, it is perfect for foundation plantings or as a specimen plant.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 12-15 ft. tall and wide (360-450 cm) after 10 years.
  • Performs best in full sun in slightly acidic, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Adaptable to a wide variety of soil conditions, it tolerates dry sites and wind. Generally prefers cool climates and will struggle in hot and humid climate areas. Tolerant of air pollution.
  • Perfect as a distinctive specimen plant in the sunny border.
  • Watch for adelgids, aphids and conifer red spider mite. Easy to grow and easy to care for.
  • No pruning required.
  • Propagate by grafting or semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Picea abies species is native to Europe.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 7

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Picea – Spruces
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 12'
– 15'
(3.6m
– 4.5m)
Spread 12'
– 15'
(3.6m
– 4.5m)
Spacing 240″ (600cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden