Why Plant Serbian Spruce?
Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce get a lot of attention, but if you want a graceful evergreen tree that nobody else on the block has, why not plant a Serbian Spruce? This elegant, underused conifer is known for its picturesque swooping branches and distinctive green and silver two-toned needles. It has a tidy pyramidal habit and will make a first-class addition to your landscape, whether as a single specimen or within a grouping. Birds will appreciate the shelter it provides. And it’s low maintenance—all that will be left for you to do is to decorate it with lights at Christmas-time!
Serbian Spruce was first described in 1875 by Josif Pančić, a Croatian-born doctor and botanist who made many trips to the Serbian mountain where this tree is found in the wild. This area—Tara Mountain—is very small, but contains an astonishing variety of plants and animals. Because of its geography, this region was somewhat protected from the extremes of the last Ice Age, and isolated species were able to survive there, while populations elsewhere were wiped out. “Pančić’s Grasshopper” was one such species, and Serbian Spruce was another.
How to use Serbian Spruce in the landscape?
Native of the Drina River Valley in Serbia, this spruce offers a slightly narrow, upright growth habit that distinguished this exceptional evergreen. Not used nearly enough in the landscape! Deep green needles have a contrasting silvery-white band on the undersides. A great choice for a screen/windbreak or a stately accent.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-7
How To Plant Serbian Spruce
Despite being native to only one small, special habitat in the world, Serbian Spruce is an adaptable tree. It grows in a variety of soil types and has even been grown successfully in cities alongside trees that are more traditionally called upon to survive in stressful urban situations, like Pin Oak, Ginkgo, and Red Maple. However, if you do have a sunny site with rich, crumbly soil, this regal-looking tree deserves it! Serbian Spruce never needs pruning and rarely has any pest or disease issues. It is a slow- to medium-grower.
How To Water
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water very slowly and very thoroughly. The water needs to reach to the bottom of the root ball and that takes time. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established as it gives your tree the nutrients it needs to produce lush new growth for the following spring.
How To Prune
Pruning your Serbian Spruce is not really necessary, any upkeep pruning can be done in the early spring before it starts to grow.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
