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Description
Picea Abies Pumila, commonly known as the Dwarf Siberian Spruce, is a coniferous evergreen tree that is native to the mountains of Europe and Asia. It is a slow-growing tree that reaches a height of 3-6 feet at maturity and a width of 2-4 feet. Its needles are short and bluish-green in color, and it produces small cones that are about 1 inch long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Picea |
Appearance
The Dwarf Siberian Spruce is a small, slow-growing tree with bluish-green needles that are 0.4-0.6 inches long. Its cones are small and cylindrical, measuring about 1 inch long. The tree has a conical shape when young but becomes more cylindrical with age. Its bark is gray-brown and scaly, and it has a shallow root system.
Care Guide
The Dwarf Siberian Spruce prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established but should be watered regularly during the first few years of growth. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. It is hardy in USDA zones 2-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dwarf Siberian Spruce is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and spruce budworms. It may also be affected by needle cast, rust, and canker diseases. Regular monitoring and treatment with horticultural oil or insecticides can help prevent and control these pests and diseases.
Habitat
The Dwarf Siberian Spruce is native to the mountains of Europe and Asia, where it grows in subalpine and alpine regions. It prefers cool temperatures and moist, well-drained soil. In cultivation, it is often grown as an ornamental tree in rock gardens or as a container plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Dwarf Siberian Spruce be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as it has well-drained soil and receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should the Dwarf Siberian Spruce be fertilized?
A: It should be fertilized once a year in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: What are some common pests that affect the Dwarf Siberian Spruce?
A: Spider mites, aphids, and spruce budworms are common pests that affect the Dwarf Siberian Spruce.
Q: What hardiness zones is the Dwarf Siberian Spruce suitable for?
A: It is suitable for USDA zones 2-7.
Related Plants
- Picea abies (Norway Spruce)
- Picea glauca (White Spruce)
- Picea mariana (Black Spruce)
References
- “Picea abies ‘Pumila’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b927.
- “Dwarf Siberian Spruce.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/dwarf-siberian-spruce-profile-3269356.
- “Picea abies ‘Pumila’.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3025/dwarf-siberian-spruce/.
