Norway spruce and Serbian 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 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,…
Picea omorika 4 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
A slim, spire-like spruce with short, drooping branches that turn up at the tips and needles that are silvery underneath; it takes little room for its…
Norway spruce is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Serbian spruce.
Serbian spruce tolerates drought better than Norway spruce.
Serbian spruce needs less care than Norway spruce.
Norway spruce is cheaper: about €9.90 at the size usually planted, against about €20 for Serbian spruce.
|
Feature
|
Norway spruce
|
Serbian spruce
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 3.5 m × 2 m | 4 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 12–35 m × 7.5–10 m | 15–25 m × 3–7.5 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 500 cm | 400 cm |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €9.90 | approx. €20 |
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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