A true landscaping treasure, the Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree is a reliable evergreen landscape fixture that never fails to provide a classic touch all year long. Dense needle foliage is soft to the touch with an eye-catching blueish-green tint. Additionally, this conifer features a naturally pyramidal growth habit, with very little, if any, pruning needed to maintain its form. It naturally maxes out at around 6-8' H x 4-5' W. The slow-growing nature of this spruce tree makes trimming infrequent and means that this plant is ideal for topiaries and container garden specimens. Use it as a screen. Once it reaches an appropriate height, its foliage proves largely impenetrable to the eye. Likewise, the wind will find it difficult to make it through a mature specimen. Expect birds to find shelter and places to raise their young in these beauties. Fans of the holidays will be thrilled to have a Dwarf Alberta when the Christmas season rolls around. It's an absolute natural for decorating as an outdoor Christmas tree. Specifically, try planting a small cluster of them and wrapping them with strands of lights every year. Throw a few wrapped-present decorations underneath and you've got a phenomenal display ready to go. While your Spruce is still young, you may try planting it in a container. The added lift will give it more of a presence, and it can serve as a small Christmas tree next to a walkway or patio. Check out two other cold-hardy varieties, the Baby Blue Colorado Spruce and the Dwarf Mugo Pine 'Pumilio'. Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree Care This Spruce is primarily suited for colder climates, namely USDA Zones 3-8. It's capable of withstanding temperatures between -40° and -30° F once fully established (now that's what I call chilly). Plant this tree in Partial to Full Sun for best results. Water frequently during the first year after planting in order to establish a healthy root system, 2-3 times per week during average weather conditions. This will help to ensure its success in the years to come. The Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree grows best in rich soil with good drainage. Fertilize with a high-nitrogen acidic fertilizer in early spring, preferably before it has started to flush out with new growth. Furthermore, reapply fertilizer again at the beginning of summer to encourage faster growth. How to Plant Your Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree Find your planting location based on the Dwarf Alberta's growing requirements. Then, Dig a hole three times the width of the root ball (the clump of roots and soil in the pot) of your plant. Mix your native soil with gardening soil to provide extra nutrients. Backfill the hole with the dirt mixture and top with 3-4 inches of mulch to help retain moisture. Water your new planting 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. Popular Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree Companion Plants In many ways, the sky is the limit when it comes to what goes well with this tree. We recommend planting it with some other cold-hardy evergreens with great texture for a unique rock garden appeal. For instance, the Gold Mop False Cypress really shines alongside it. They both have a slow-growth habit, dynamite texture, and effortless elegance. The Fire Chief Arborvitae and Pancake Arborvitae have a similar effect when planted with it. Alternatively, Groundcover Junipers go beautifully with them as well. Need a bloomer to go with your Spruces too? Rhododendrons like the Southgate Radiance Rhododendron or Southgate Brandi Rhododendron are perfect accents thanks to their thick leaves and gorgeous flowers.
