Blue 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 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 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…
Blue spruce: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Blue spruce is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Serbian spruce.
Serbian spruce needs less care than Blue spruce.
Serbian spruce is cheaper: about HUF 4,400 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 11,000 for Blue spruce.
|
Feature
|
Blue spruce
|
Serbian spruce
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 1.5 m | 4 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 9–20 m × 3–6 m | 15–25 m × 3–7.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, 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 | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 500 cm | 400 cm |
| For children | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. HUF 11,000 | approx. HUF 4,400 |
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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