World Plants Logo

search the world

Woody > Picea > Picea omorika > Picea omorika 'Nana'

Picea omorika

'Nana'


Dwarf Serbian Spruce




            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

Although glorified by many, I find this plant to be disapointing in comparison to the straight species. Its dense compact form causes it to lack the elegance provided by the ascending, pendulous branches of the parent plant. The bi-colour foliage is quite attractive on a smaller plant, but is less visable with maturity. Mistook the mature specimen at the University of Guelph for a Picea pungens f. glauca cultivar with which it was grouped. Appeared completely blue, and stiff.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Pinaceae
Genus
Picea
Species
omorika
Cultivar
'Nana'
Category
Woody
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
4-8
Canadian Hardiness Zone
3a
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-37
Temperature (°F)
-34
Height
2-3 m
Spread
2-3 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
May
General Description
A dwarf evergreen that is upright and slow growing. Reaches a mature height of 3 m in 40-50 years. A popular choice for small landscapes due to interesting blue-green foliage and low maintenance.
Cultivation
Requires full sun to partial shade. Adaptable to different pH's and highly tolerant of pollution and heat. Must have well drained soil as it will perish rapidly in standing water. Protect from heavy winds.
Shape
Globular when young, becoming pyramidal with age.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
A very dense, dwarf tree. Needles have two blue glaucious stripes on their underside and green on their upper side. Bark is orange-brown when young and turns red-brown and scaly with age. Branch structure is horizontal. Buds are reddish brown and the plant is commonly sterile.
Pests
Generally pest free, but aphids are the most common. Also, gall insects and red spider mites will sometimes cause a problem. Various wood rots, witches' broom, mistletoe, rust, and needle cast are not uncommon.
Habitat
Thrives in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
Bark/Stem Description
Young shoots are a smooth pale orange-brown, becoming richer in colour with age. Mature bark is scaly and slightly flaking. Bark is hidden behind the dense foliage.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Deep orange-brown to reddish brown, 2-5 mm long. Acute, with a sharp point. Scales may be fringed near the apex.
Leaf Description
Resembling the straight species only shorter, 7-15 mm long. Medium green on upper side, with two lower sides blue/silver and glaucious. Apex pointed and sharp. Needles are close together and radially arranged.
Flower Description
Usually a non-flowering cultivar.
Fruit Description
If cones are produced they may be egg shaped cones, most often sterile.
Colour Description
Can range from a medium green, a silvery blue, or a combination of both. Bark is reddish brown but generally not highly visable.
Texture Description
Medium.
Notable Specimens
Whistling Gardens, Wilsonville, Ontario, Canada. The Arboretum, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Propagation
Grafted from semi-hardwood cuttings. In the rare chance it produces seeds, they will be sterile.
goToTop
top