How big does Dwarf Alberta spruce grow?

About 1.3 m × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 3–4 m × 2.1–3 m.

What soil does Dwarf Alberta spruce grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic.

Is Dwarf Alberta spruce hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Dwarf Alberta spruce be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Dwarf Alberta spruce need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Dwarf Alberta spruce cost?

It sells for roughly €4.90 to €18 in local shops, depending on size.

Dwarf Alberta spruce

Picea glauca 'Conica'

Dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica') is a shrub that reaches 1.3 m × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €4.90.

Illustration of Dwarf Alberta spruce — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A neat, dense cone of soft, light green needles: it grows only about 10 cm a year, reaches roughly 130 cm in ten years and gets to 3 or 4 metres only after decades. It suits an entrance, a rock garden, a specimen spot or a tub and needs no pruning. Plant it in a cooler, airy place sheltered from hot winds, in moist but well-drained soil, because it copes badly with heat and drying out; keep it away from hot walls and paving.

Watch out for

Its worst enemy is spider mite (mainly spruce spider mite), and this cultivar is one of its favourite hosts: needles turn speckled yellow, then brown and drop, and the bare patches never green up again. Heat-stressed plants with poor air movement, next to a wall, fence or paving, are hit hardest, so tap branches over white paper in spring and early autumn and treat in time when mites appear. It copes badly with the hot, dry summers of Central Europe and browns without watering, and in winter drying wind and reflected sun can scorch the needles on the sunny, windy side. It sometimes reverts to the species: cut out any vigorous shoot with longer needles at its base. It also dislikes polluted city air and road salt.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.3 m × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.3 m × 90 cm
Ultimate size	3–4 m × 2.1–3 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15-25 cm	approx. €7.20
25-35 cm	approx. €8
60-80 cm	approx. €18
size not stated	approx. €4.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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