The Weeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies ‘Pendula’) is an evergreen conifer known for its distinctive cascading form. Its branches gracefully weep downwards, creating a unique silhouette and year-round visual interest with rich, dark green needles. This cultivar is a popular choice for its strong aesthetic presence.
Planting Your Weeping Norway Spruce
Successful planting begins with careful site selection; these trees thrive in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate air circulation around the tree helps prevent moisture buildup within its dense foliage. While adaptable to various soil types, the tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.1-7.3). Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost significantly improves drainage, preventing root rot.
When preparing the planting hole, dig it twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and deep enough so the root flare sits at or slightly above ground level. The root flare, where the trunk widens at its base, should be visible after planting to ensure the tree is not buried too deeply. After carefully placing the tree, backfill the hole with the excavated soil, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets. A thorough initial watering settles the soil and provides essential moisture for the newly planted tree.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Weeping Norway Spruces thrive in cool summer climates. While established trees tolerate drier conditions, young trees require consistent moisture to develop a robust root system. Deep watering is more effective than frequent shallow watering, encouraging roots to grow deeper into the soil during dry spells. Avoid overwatering and waterlogged conditions, as they lead to root issues.
Fertilization is not heavily required for established trees, but a soil test can determine deficiencies. If needed, a balanced evergreen fertilizer applied in early spring supports healthy growth and vibrant needles. For young plants, use about 1/4 cup of fertilizer, adjusting as the tree matures. Weeping Norway Spruces are cold-hardy, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 8, though they may struggle in regions with high heat and humidity, particularly south of Zone 7.
Pruning and Training for Form
The Weeping Norway Spruce benefits from pruning and training. Pruning maintains size and shape, removes dead or diseased branches, and encourages its weeping habit. The ideal time for pruning is during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, to minimize sap loss and promote vigorous spring growth.
Managing the central leader is important for shaping this tree. Without staking, the ‘Pendula’ cultivar spreads along the ground as a woody ground cover; if staked, it can grow upright to 10-15 feet. Selective pruning involves removing crossing or rubbing branches to improve air circulation and overall tree health. Shaping weeping branches and removing any that touch the ground (as they can root) maintains its distinctive appearance. Training young trees with a stake is important for establishing an upright leader and guiding branches for the desired architectural effect.
Common Issues and Solutions
Weeping Norway Spruces may experience problems like browning needles, indicating drought stress, winter burn, or underlying diseases. Insufficient watering during dry periods or before winter leads to browning and needle drop.
If environmental factors are ruled out, fungal diseases like Rhizosphaera needle cast cause older needles, typically on lower branches, to turn purplish-brown and fall off. Proper spacing and good air circulation help prevent fungal issues; fungicides may be applied in some cases.
Pests such as spider mites, aphids, and bagworms also affect Weeping Norway Spruces. Spider mites cause foliage to appear pale or yellowish and create fine webbing on needles. Aphids lead to twisted, curled needles, often with sticky honeydew. Bagworms are identified by spindle-shaped silk bags covered with foliage pieces hanging from branches, and can cause severe defoliation. Regularly inspecting the tree for signs of these pests and removing bagworms manually or applying appropriate insecticides when infestations are small helps manage these issues.
Diseases like Cytospora canker appear as individual branches turning brown and dying, with white, sticky resin leaking from the bark. This fungal disease affects older trees under stress. Removing infected branches and ensuring the tree is well-watered, especially during dry spells, helps reduce the spread and minimize stress. Maintaining optimal growing conditions through proper watering, soil care, and strategic pruning enhances the tree’s resilience against common issues.