The Weeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies ‘Pendula’) is an ornamental evergreen highly valued for its distinctive growth habit. Its long, pendulous branches cascade toward the ground, creating a soft, flowing silhouette. The deep green needles provide year-round color, making it a focal point in the landscape. This unique form can be manipulated through training to achieve various heights and shapes.
Choosing the Site and Initial Planting
Selecting the appropriate location is the first step in establishing a healthy Weeping Norway Spruce. This tree thrives best in full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight daily), though it can tolerate partial shade. The tree requires well-drained soil, as evergreens do not tolerate standing water.
The ideal soil should be moderately moist and slightly acidic, although the tree can tolerate neutral conditions. When preparing the site for planting, the hole should be dug two to three times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself. Planting the tree slightly above the surrounding grade prevents water from settling around the trunk and roots.
After placing the tree, mix the original soil with organic amendments like compost to improve drainage, especially in heavy clay conditions. Backfilling the hole halfway, watering to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets, then finishing the backfill with the amended soil ensures good root-to-soil contact. Gently loosen or score any circling roots on the root ball before planting to prevent restrictive growth.
Ongoing Water and Nutritional Needs
Once established, the Weeping Norway Spruce prefers consistent moisture, but it is susceptible to issues caused by overly saturated soil. Deep, infrequent watering is the best practice for mature trees, encouraging the development of a strong, deep root system. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering sessions, avoiding daily shallow sprinkling.
The tree benefits from a single annual fertilization in the springtime to support its growth. Apply a fertilizer formulated for evergreens, such as an acidic-loving type like Holly-tone or Evergreen-tone. These fertilizers typically contain a good balance of nitrogen and phosphorus, which strengthens the root system and promotes lush foliage.
Training and Structural Pruning
Managing the unique form of the Weeping Norway Spruce is primarily achieved through training the central leader. Since the tree naturally wants to weep and grow downward, it will only gain height if the main vertical shoot is physically staked to an upright support. The final height is determined by the height of this staking, as the tree will begin to weep again once the stake is removed.
For vertical growth, a sturdy stake must be secured next to the trunk, and the flexible leader tied to it as it grows upward. If a shorter, mounding, or ground-cover effect is desired, the leader can be left unstaked, allowing it to naturally cascade and sprawl. Pruning is typically minimal, focused on structural maintenance like removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
For shaping the weeping drape, long branches that lie on the ground or block pathways can be selectively cut back by up to a third of their length. This type of pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Tip-pruning the new, light-colored growth, called candles, can also be done in spring to encourage a denser growth habit. Avoid removing more than one-fourth of the tree’s canopy in a single season to prevent excessive stress.
Identifying and Treating Common Issues
The Weeping Norway Spruce is generally a resilient evergreen, but it can be affected by specific pests and fungal diseases. Common insect threats include microscopic spruce spider mites, which cause stippling and yellowing on needles, and bagworms, which create distinctive silk bags on the branches. Other pests affecting spruce tips may require a hand lens for identification; a sample analysis by a local extension office can help determine correct treatment.
Fungal diseases like Cytospora canker and Rhizosphaera needle cast are the most common afflictions. Cytospora canker causes branch dieback starting on the lower limbs and moving upward, often exuding resin from infected areas. Rhizosphaera needle cast causes older, interior needles to turn yellow and drop while the newest tip growth remains green. Fungicides containing chlorothalonil are effective against needle cast if applied in the spring, but they do not treat Cytospora canker.
The tree is hardy and tolerates cold down to USDA Zone 2. Ensuring the tree is not drought-stressed reduces its susceptibility to both fungal infections and insect infestations. Proper site selection and planting that avoids poorly drained, overly saturated clay soil is the best defense against long-term health issues.