Picea abies Inversa (Norway Spruce)

Strong-growing, Picea abies ‘Inversa’, often called ‘Pendula’ (Norway Spruce), is a large, evergreen shrub of mounding, arching or weeping habit, densely covered with glossy, dark green needles. Vigorous, it tends to stay low unless trained upright on a stake. It may be trained to grow up to a desired height and then allowed to gracefully weep, with its branches clinging tightly to the main stem.

Strong-growing, Picea abies 'Inversa', often called 'Pendula' (Norway Spruce), is a large, evergreen shrub of mounding, arching or weeping habit, densely covered with glossy, dark green needles. Vigorous, it tends to stay low unless trained upright on a stake. It may be trained to grow up to a desired height and then allowed to gracefully weep, with its branches clinging tightly to the main stem. A fast grower, over 12 in. per year (30 cm), this widely popular Norway Spruce can be grown over garden features or rockeries or developed into an exquisite, weeping tree. In all situations, it makes a great conversation piece.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 20 ft. tall (600 cm) and 4 ft. wide (120 cm) at maturity.
  • 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
– 8

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, Shrubs
Plant Family Picea – Spruces
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 15'
– 20'
(4.5m
– 6m)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 72″ (180cm)
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 Gravel and Rock Garden, Traditional Garden