Blue spruce and Norway spruce are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, screening). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Picea pungens 3 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
A formal, conical spruce with stiff, silvery-blue needles and branches down to the ground; in time it reaches 15 to 20 metres tall and 4 to 6 metres…
Picea abies 3.5 m × 2 m after 10 years
The species is a fast-growing, dark green, conical spruce with long hanging cones that can reach 25 to 35 metres tall and 8 to 10 metres wide in time,…
Blue spruce: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Norway spruce grows faster than Blue spruce.
Blue spruce tolerates drought better than Norway spruce.
Norway spruce is cheaper: about €21 at the size usually planted, against about €28 for Blue spruce.
|
Feature
|
Blue spruce
|
Norway spruce
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 1.5 m | 3.5 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 9–20 m × 3–6 m | 12–35 m × 7.5–10 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 500 cm | 500 cm |
| For children | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €28 | approx. €21 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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