How big does Serbian spruce grow?

About 4 m × 1.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–25 m × 3–7.5 m.

What soil does Serbian spruce grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic, calcareous.

Is Serbian spruce hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Serbian spruce be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Serbian spruce need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Serbian spruce cost?

It sells for roughly €14 to €120 in local shops, depending on size.

Serbian spruce

Picea omorika

Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) is a large tree that reaches 4 m × 1.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €14.

Illustration of Serbian 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 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 height, reaching 15 to 25 metres but only a few metres across. It copes with heat, city air and limy soil better than other spruces, so it works as a specimen, in a small group or as a screen; give it moist, well-drained soil and water it in droughts. Its dwarf forms (such as the rounded Karel and the dense, conical Nana) are only 50 to 75 cm after ten years and suit rock gardens, small gardens and containers.

Watch out for

Its best-known problem is the so-called omorika dieback: needles turn brown from the shoot tips and drop. It is not an infection but a physiological disorder triggered by magnesium deficiency, chloride building up in the soil (road salt, for example), compacted soil and weather extremes; a magnesium feed instead of potassium-rich fertiliser, loose soil and even watering prevent it, and it should not be planted next to salted roads or paths. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe spider mites can turn the needles dull and greyish brown, and the green spruce aphid can make the older, inner needles drop. On heavy, airless soil root and butt rot fungi (Heterobasidion, honey fungus) may attack. It is somewhat less tolerant of polluted air than its reputation suggests, and it suffers both in prolonged drought and in waterlogged ground.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 4 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	4 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	15–25 m × 3–7.5 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	400 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €14

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
40-70 cm	approx. €14
40-60 cm	approx. €15
40-50 cm	approx. €20
60-80 cm	approx. €28
70-90 cm	approx. €80
80-100 cm	approx. €32
size not stated	approx. €41 – €120

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for screening Evergreen plants

Compare with similar plants

Serbian spruce vs Blue spruce Serbian spruce vs Norway spruce

Looks good next to it

Japanese spirea

Spiraea japonica

Blue holly

Ilex × meserveae

Japanese aster

Aster ageratoides