Picea abies 'Reflexa'
weeping Norway spruce
Cultivar of European origin; species native to northern and central EuropeLearn more
Overview
Picea abies 'Reflexa' is a weeping cultivar of Norway spruce distinguished from 'Pendula' by a more consistent growth pattern: branches emerge horizontally or at a slight upward angle before reflexing sharply downward. When staked, specimens form a narrow column 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) tall and 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) wide; unstaked plants grow as ground covers to 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall, spreading 15–20 feet (4.5–6 m) over time. Growth rate is 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) per year on staked specimens. Needles are 0.5–0.75 inch (12–19 mm) long, dark green, four-sided, and densely arranged on drooping branch tips. Bark is orange-brown to gray-brown on mature trunks. Spider mites and Cytospora canker affect this cultivar under the same conditions as other P. abies cultivars. The variable staking requirements mean final form is not predictable at point of sale.
Native Range
The species Picea abies is native to northern and central Europe from Scandinavia south through the Alps and Carpathians, in montane and boreal forests. The cultivar 'Reflexa' originated in cultivation.Suggested Uses
Staked specimens are used as vertical accents in mixed borders and conifer collections, spaced 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) from adjacent plants. Unstaked plants serve as large-scale ground covers on slopes, spreading to 15–20 feet (4.5–6 m). The variable form resulting from different training methods requires careful planning before siting.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 15'
Width/Spread4' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 18 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Male strobili are reddish-yellow, releasing pollen in April–May. Female cones are cylindrical, 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long, ripening from green to brown within the first season. Cone production begins after 10–15 years and is most prolific on mature specimens.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
reddish-yellow (male strobili)Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate 2–3 weeks without rain but show increased needle drop during prolonged dry periods. Staked specimens need the central leader tied to a support for 5–10 years until the trunk lignifies; the leader grows in the direction it is trained and cannot be repositioned after lignification. Spider mites appear in hot, dry summers above 85°F (29°C), causing yellowing interior needles. Cytospora canker enters through wounds or stressed tissue, producing resin-soaked patches and branch dieback. Fertilization is unnecessary in adequate soils and excess nitrogen can reduce cold hardiness.Pruning
No pruning is needed to maintain the weeping form. On staked specimens, competing leaders can be removed in late winter to maintain a single dominant trunk. Branches that deviate from the desired silhouette can be removed at their origin point in late winter; cuts to bare wood do not produce new growth, as P. abies does not regenerate from old wood.Pruning Schedule
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early spring