Blue spruce 'Glauca Globosa'

Synonyms: glaucous globose

Blue spruce «Glauca Globosa» (Picea pungens "Glauca Globosa") – a cultivar of blue spruce. The cultivar was obtained in 1937 by Ant Cluis, and entered commerce in 1955.

It is a dwarf coniferous tree 1.5-2 m in height and 2-3 m in width. Grows slowly, up to 8 cm in height and 10 cm in width. Initially the crown is slightly flattened globose, loose and uneven; at 10-15 years a leading shoot appears and the crown becomes pyramidal, semi-rounded and denser. Annual shoots 5—8 cm long.

Needles slightly falcate, white-blue, 10—12 mm long, 1 mm thick, stiff, with 3—4 stomatal lines on each side.

Cones ovoid-cylindrical, 5-10 cm long, light brown. Seeds black, 3-4 mm long, with a light-brown wing 10-13 mm long.

Hardiness zone: 2-8 (-45°C).

Location: Sun-loving, but tolerates light partial shade. Prefers moist, fertile soil, light or medium loam. The topsoil should be well-draining so that roots receive sufficient aeration. Does not tolerate waterlogging and soil compaction. Not demanding with respect to moisture. Resistant in urban conditions to smoke, soot, dust, and wind. Branches do not break under the weight of wet snow. Winter-hardy and drought-tolerant.

Planting: The optimal time for planting – late April – late June. Soil mix: sod soil, leaf mold, sand, peat in a ratio of 2:2:1:1.

Care: Responds well to fertilization. The area around the trunk should be periodically weeded and loosened, but not dug over. It is also advisable to mulch the trunk circle with peat or loose compost followed by incorporation. During dry periods regular watering is recommended, avoiding complete drying of the root-inhabited soil layer, and also evening crown spraying. Manure or compost can also be applied in early summer. When grown in polluted areas, it is recommended to wash the spruce at least once a month.

Pruning: Requires sanitary pruning.

Diseases: Schütte, snow Schütte, fusariosis, stem and root rot, bark necrosis, ulcerative (wound) canker, cone rust, spruce vertun.

Pests: red spider mite, spruce sawfly.

Propagation: Propagated by cuttings.

Uses: Used to decorate small home plots, rock gardens, solitary and group plantings. Recommended for rock gardens, for growing in containers and on balconies. Planted singly or in groups on parterre lawns in parks, near houses.