Weeping Norway Spruce

The majority of trees grow into an upright or rounded form. So plants that don’t do that always catch the eye and are very important to bring character to the garden. Weeping plants are particularly useful, and loved by gardeners, because they contrast so well with other plants, and allow us to make marvelous accents, as well as looking beautiful on slopes and banks, or cascading over walls. The Weeping Norway Spruce is more than just a weeping plant – it is a unique and very special plant that has enormous character and brings something very special into your garden.

If you garden in colder areas, finding interesting and hardy plants can be that much more difficult, but with the Weeping Norway Spruce we have a plant which is hardy to minus 40 degrees and thrives in all the cooler regions of the country. It will grow readily in almost any kind of is well-drained soil, and once established it will survive normal summer drought with ease. This tree has no significant pests and diseases, so it needs no special care – or really any care at all – to thrive and grow into a fascinating specimen.

Growing Weeping Norway Spruce Trees

The Weeping Norway Spruce is an intriguing and eye-catching evergreen plant. It is a special form of the large, upright Norway Spruce tree, but with branches that hang down vertically, instead of growing upright. Left alone it will develop into a creeping mound of branches two or three feet tall, spreading as much as 10 feet in all directions. Grown that way it makes a terrific plant for any sunny location, undulating across gravel or a stone-covered bed, which could be a flat area, or a slope. Planted at the top of a wall it will cascade down in a very attractive way, softening the appearance of the wall. This tree will look beautiful in all seasons, with its softer-green new growth in spring or with its needles dusted with snow in the winter months.

Uses on Your Property

But that is just the start of your options with this remarkable plant. It can be trained up onto a fence or a wall as a unique covering. It can be tied up with one or more stakes and that way it can be raised as much as 15 feet into the air. You will have a remarkable and attractive plant with just a little training. The interesting thing about the Weeping Norway Spruce is that no two plants develop in the same way – like people or pets, each one will grow in its own way, with or without guidance from you.

The great thing about the Weeping Norway Spruce is its versatility. Because it can be trained into many forms, it is attractive growing over rocks and gravel; as a feature in an Asian-themed garden; planted on terraces and slopes; trained on walls and fences; or even grown in a large pot on a terrace. To train your tree on a sunny wall, attach horizontal wires across the wall 18 inches apart. Tie the branches loosely to the wires, training them upwards and spreading them out as the tree grows. It is possible to cover a large area of a wall, even 10 feet tall or more, with a Weeping Norway Spruce, to make a unique and very attractive feature out of a blank and sterile space.

Staking Your Tree

To train your Weeping Norway Spruce into a taller specimen, use a tall steel rod as a stake and attach a sturdy branch to it, pointing the branch upwards. As the new shoots develop, continue to train one up the rod until you reach the height you want. Side branches will naturally develop and of course they will be weeping and will cascade down to the ground. You can even use two or three rods to develop a larger specimen.

History and Origins of the Weeping Norway Spruce

The Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is a large forest tree that grows across Scandinavia into Russia, as well as in the European Alps. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach 100 to 200 feet in height, with a slender upright form and a single trunk. Its attractive, deep green needles, which can be an inch long, are densely clustered around the shoots and the cones can be 6 inches long. The bark is shaggy and attractive, giving a rugged character to the tree.

It is widely grown for lumber, but because it is so large it is only suitable for very large gardens, but the Weeping Norway Spruce makes it possible to grow this tree in any garden. This unique form was developed from branches that arose on wild trees and that lacked the habit of growing upright. These have been selected and grown by knowledgeable gardeners for many years. Unlike a lot of other special conifers, this plant has kept the fast-growing habit of its parent, and will grow up to a foot of new branches each year.

Buying Weeping Norway Spruces at The Tree Center

As you would expect, the Weeping Norway Spruce must be reproduced in a special way to preserve its unique habit. Our plants are grown by taking stem pieces from properly identified plants and attaching these pieces onto seedling Norway Spruce trees. After a period of special care the weeping stems bond to the roots of the seedling and grow. Avoid cheaper trees that may simply be weak seedling plants with a slightly weeping habit, but they will certainly not have the character and charm of the true Weeping Norway Spruce.

We are pleased to be able to offer this special plant to our customers, and for anyone looking for a unique but easily grown specimen plant this is a great opportunity. However, our stocks can be limited, so act now and bring the special character of the Weeping Norway Spruce into your own garden.

What is the growth rate of the Weeping Norway Spruce?

The Weeping Norway Spruce is a fast-growing tree, with the ability to grow up to a foot of new branches each year. This rapid growth rate allows it to quickly establish itself in your garden and become a standout feature. Its growth can also be directed and trained into various forms, making it a versatile addition to any landscape.

How can I train my Weeping Norway Spruce to grow in a specific direction or form?

Training your Weeping Norway Spruce to grow in a specific direction or form can be achieved through a few methods. If you want it to cover a fence or wall, you can attach horizontal wires across the surface and tie the branches loosely to the wires, training them upwards and spreading them out as the tree grows. For a taller specimen, use a tall steel rod as a stake and attach a sturdy branch to it, pointing the branch upwards. As new shoots develop, continue to train one up the rod until you reach the desired height. Side branches will naturally develop and cascade down to the ground.

Can the Weeping Norway Spruce survive in dry conditions?

Yes, the Weeping Norway Spruce is a hardy tree that can easily survive dry periods once it is established. It is adaptable to almost any kind of soil, making it a resilient choice for areas prone to dry conditions. However, like all plants, it will benefit from regular watering during particularly dry spells, especially when it is still young and establishing its root system.

What pests or diseases should I watch out for with the Weeping Norway Spruce?

One of the great advantages of the Weeping Norway Spruce is its resistance to pests and diseases. It has no significant pests or diseases to worry about, making it a low-maintenance choice for your garden. However, as with any plant, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for any changes in its health and consult with a local nursery or extension service if you notice anything unusual.

Can the Weeping Norway Spruce survive harsh winter conditions?

Absolutely! The Weeping Norway Spruce is an extremely hardy tree that can survive winter temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees. This makes it an excellent choice for gardens in colder regions of the country, where it can provide year-round interest and beauty, even in the depths of winter.

What kind of soil is best for the Weeping Norway Spruce?

The Weeping Norway Spruce is not particularly fussy about soil conditions. It will grow readily in almost any kind of well-drained soil. Whether your garden has clay, loam, or sandy soil, this tree can adapt and thrive. However, like most plants, it will benefit from soil that is rich in organic matter, so adding compost or a slow-release fertilizer can give it a good start.

How much sun does the Weeping Norway Spruce need?

The Weeping Norway Spruce thrives in sunny locations. While it can tolerate some shade, for the best growth and form, plant it in a spot where it will receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day. This will ensure it develops its unique weeping habit and maintains a healthy, vibrant color.

Can the Weeping Norway Spruce be grown in a pot?

Yes, the Weeping Norway Spruce can be grown in a large pot or container. This can be a great way to add height and interest to a patio or terrace. Just make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate its root system and has adequate drainage. Regular watering and feeding will also be necessary to keep the tree healthy.

How can I use the Weeping Norway Spruce in a rock garden?

The Weeping Norway Spruce is a fantastic choice for a rock garden. Its weeping branches can be trained to undulate across gravel or a stone-covered bed, creating a beautiful, flowing effect. Its deep green needles provide a striking contrast against the rocks, and its unique form adds interest and character to the landscape.

Does the Weeping Norway Spruce produce cones?

Yes, like its parent tree, the Norway Spruce, the Weeping Norway Spruce can produce cones. These cones can add an extra element of interest to the tree, especially in the winter months when they stand out against the deep green of the needles. However, as a special form of the Norway Spruce, the Weeping Norway Spruce’s cone production may vary.