General Culture:

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, rich soils. Better tolerance for hot, humid climates and air pollution than most other species of spruce.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Serbian spruce is a medium sized, slow-growing, evergreen conifer with a narrow, conical crown which will over time grow to 60' tall by 20' wide. Short, graceful branches are retained to ground level for a number of years. Scaly, dark brown bark. Glossy, dark green needles (to 1" long) have white stomatal bands underneath lending a silvery, bicolored effect. Egg-shaped cones (to 2" long) are dark purple when young, but mature to a reddish brown.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Generally susceptible to a number of insect problems, the most common of which are spider mites, aphids, budworms and borers.

Uses:

One of the most attractive spruces. Plant as a specimen or in groups. Appropriate as an evergreen street tree.

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