Picea glauca Echiniformis - White Spruce

Picea glauca 'Echiniformis' is a dwarf form of white spruce that resembles a small bushy hedgehog in its silhouette. It presents itself as a bristly ball in its young age, then spreads somewhat over the years, to form a dome a little wider than it is high. Its short and ramified branches are covered with young light green shoots, which become grey-green-blue as the seasons progress. Its very slow growth and reduced size make it suitable for rock gardens, as well as for borders or pots. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained, neutral to acidic, and rather fertile, soil.

Picea glauca, also known as White Spruce, White Spruce or Glaucous Spruce, is an evergreen conifer belonging to the Pinaceae family. It is native to Canada. In its natural environment, it grows slowly. This tree can reach a height of 25 m (82 ft). It is traditionally used for paper making and can live for many years (200 years or more).

The 'Echiniformis' variety, derived from this species, is a very ornamental dwarf form, with a compact habit, initially globular, then dome-shaped. Its growth is slow, growing about 3 cm (1.2 in) per year, more or less, depending on the soil and climate. Eventually, it will reach 80 cm (31.5 in) in height and a little over 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in diameter. It produces short and highly branched twigs, covered with fine quadrangular spines arranged in very short, very pointed brushes with an aromatic sharp resin smell. Its spring shoots are a very light silver-green, which harmonises well with its older foliage, a dark green with bluish reflections. The root system of white spruces is shallow, highly branched and trailing, making them difficult to transplant when mature, and particularly sensitive to wind.

The 'Echiniformis' white spruce, with its characteristic shaggy appearance, its very small size, low maintenance, and easiness to grow, is a perfect plant for rock gardens and terraces. It thrives in many situations and adapts to various climates, as long as the soil is well drained and not too chalky. A grey or mauve mulch placed at its base will enhance its delicate colour. This small globular plant pairs well with large stones, geometric lines, and masonry works. It can be combined with dwarf conifers with a prostrate, columnar, or pyramidal habit. The true graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden. With their reassuring permanence, these plants durably structure a bed, mark pathways or border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. They go well with heathers or ground-cover plants such as aubrietas, ceraistes or shrubby salvias, as well as flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.