The Weeping White Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Pendula’) is a visually striking conifer known for its distinctive form. It offers a unique vertical accent, making it a captivating addition to many garden styles. This article guides gardeners on incorporating this tree into their landscape designs, covering its characteristics, planting, care, and design applications.
Characteristics of Weeping White Spruce
The Weeping White Spruce has a narrow, conical, weeping form, with branches cascading gracefully downwards, often hugging the central trunk. It typically reaches 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread of 4 to 8 feet, fitting well into confined spaces. Its growth rate is moderate, averaging 1 to 2 feet per year once established.
Its needles are short, sharp, and densely packed, typically blue-green with a whitish waxy bloom that develops as they age. They are aromatic when crushed. Small, cylindrical cones, 1 to 2 inches long, emerge pink and mature to pale brown. This cultivar is cold hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 2 to 8, offering year-round interest.
Choosing the Right Site and Planting
Selecting a location for a Weeping White Spruce requires considering its light and soil preferences. It performs best in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it tolerates some light shade. Adequate sunlight maintains dense foliage and vigor. The soil should be well-drained, preferably slightly acidic to neutral, with good air circulation to prevent moisture issues.
Before planting, ensure sufficient space for the tree’s mature height and spread. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times wider. Gently loosen any circling roots to encourage outward growth. Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil line. Backfill with excavated soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Caring for Your Weeping White Spruce
After planting, consistent watering is important for establishment. During its first growing season, maintain a regular watering schedule to help the tree develop a deep root system. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, ensuring deep penetration. Once established, the tree is moderately drought tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilization is minimal; a general-purpose fertilizer can be applied in spring before new growth, if needed. Weeping White Spruce requires little pruning, mainly for removing dead or damaged branches to maintain its natural form. Monitoring for common conifer pests like adelgids, aphids, or spider mites is advisable. In colder zones, providing winter water and a layer of mulch can protect young trees during establishment.
Integrating into Your Landscape Design
The Weeping White Spruce’s unique form makes it an excellent focal point in landscape designs. Its narrow, upright habit with pendulous branches creates a strong vertical element, providing drama and structure. This tree serves as a striking specimen plant in a lawn or at a building corner. Its compact footprint also suits smaller gardens desiring a tall, narrow evergreen.
When selecting companion plants, choose those that complement its distinctive shape and color. Low-growing shrubs like rhododendrons, azaleas, or junipers provide contrasting textures and colors at its base, while groundcovers soften the area. The Weeping White Spruce fits well into various garden styles, from formal to contemporary designs. It can also be planted in rock gardens as a specimen, or in groupings to create a screen or windbreak.