Paul's Select Blue Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Paul's Select
If you are looking for a handsome blue tree that shines year round in the landscape, the ‘Paul’s Select’ Norway Spruce is a rare evergreen beauty that will do just that. An alternative to the Colorado Blue Spruce, Paul’s Select sports beautiful blue needles, superior disease resistance and a smaller stature that’s a good fit for small to medium size spaces.
All grown up he might reach 15 to 20 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide or so. An absolutely beautiful conifer for the sunny to partially shaded landscape, this rare selection is extremely cold hardy to -40F and also handles humidity better than the Colorado Spruce. Snow loads are not a problem and there’s no need for pruning as it naturally maintains its dense and pyramidal form all on its own.
Information
Height & Growth
Crown Height – 10-12′ on 10 years; 15-20′ at maturity
Crown Width – 4-5′ in 10 years; 6-10′ at base maturity
Growth Habit – Upright Pyramid
Growth Rate – Moderate; 10-12″ per year
Soils
Soil Texture – Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sandy, Silt
Soil pH -6.0 to 7.5
Tolerates Acidic Soils
Cold Hardiness
USDA Zone
3a-7b (East – Hot Climates)
3a-8b (West – Cool Climates)
Water & Light
Water
Average to Low when established
Light
Full Sun or Part Shade
Best Uses
Growing Preferences
The Paul’s Select Norway Spruce is easy to grow in a damp to moist but well-drained soil of average fertility. As with so many other conifers, constantly soggy or wet soils can be problematic leading to root rot or other harmful plant diseases. So make sure to plant this one in well-drained soil, whether in the ground or in pots. It grows well in full sun to part shade.
Pests
Deer Resistant