Picea rubens Grandfather Mountain - Red Spruce

Picea rubens 'Grandfather Mountain' is a dwarf form of red spruce. This slow-growing and long-lived conifer develops into a small spherical bush with prickly green-blue foliage that is quite dark. Its branches, covered with short and hard needles, reveal orange and scaly bark. After many years of cultivation, it will not exceed 1m (3ft) in diameter. This variety prefers sun, and moist to wet, but well-drained fertile soil. It is an excellent choice for small gardens, rockeries, and slightly wild areas of the garden.

Native to North America, Canada, and the Appalachians, Picea rubens, also known as Red Spruce, is a very hardy evergreen conifer belonging to the Pinaceae family, closely related to white spruce (Picea glauca). In its natural environment, it grows slowly, has a narrow conical habit, and branches that are ramified. This tree can reach a height of 25 to 30m (82 to 98ft), tolerates limestone soils, and appreciates moist but well-drained soils. This species can live up to 400 years. It is widely used in the paper industry, construction, and the manufacture of musical instruments.

The 'Grandfather Mountain' variety, derived from this species, is distinguished by its compact, bushy, and spherical habit. Its growth is very slow; after 10 years, it will reach 40cm (16in) in all directions, sometimes a little more depending on growing conditions. As an adult, it can reach about 1m (3ft) in height. It produces short and thin branches, covered with curved and quadrangular needles that are 10 to 15mm (1in) long, ending in a sharp point, arranged radially around the branches. Its light brown buds give rise to young green-blue shoots in spring, then the foliage takes on a slightly darker shade. The branches are covered with a thin, buff-orange bark.

With its natural and original habit, its reduced development, undemanding nature, and ease of cultivation, it is perfect for large rockeries, or for ground cover planting in flower beds, by grouping several specimens. It thrives in many situations, in various climates, as long as the soil is well-drained and not too dry, and the exposure is very sunny. This plant is ideal for adorning an entrance, a passage, or for decorating a flower bed with a naturalistic inspiration. It can also be planted with spring or summer annuals, which will enhance its foliage. The architectural qualities of conifers naturally suit the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the fleeting beauty of flowers. With their reassuring permanence, these plants durably structure a bed. They can mark pathways, and border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. They blend well with heathers or grasses, as well as with ground cover plants such as aubrietas and cerastium. The key is to play with volumes and colours.