Serbian spruce

Serbian spruce (Picea Omorika) – coniferous tree of the pine family. In the wild, it can only be found on the Balkan Peninsula. The species was discovered and described in 1875 by the biologist Iosif Pancic, who was captivated by the decorative appearance of the spruce. Since 1880, the variety has been actively used in landscape design.

Variety advantages: decorative appearance, unpretentious care, resistance to harsh climate, poor soils, polluted environment.

Appearance

The treein the wild grows up to 50 meters in height. Decorative forms of Serbian spruce undersized – about 5-7 m in height.

Crown – narrow pyramidal or columnar with a pointed crown. Trunk – straight, about 1 meter in diameter, covered with yellowish-brown bark. Branches – short, curved upwards, lower – located high from the ground. Rhizome – powerful, sprawling (up to 10 m in diameter).

Needleskeeled, 1-1.8 cm long. Covered with a wax coating. It crumbles after 5-6 years.

Cones oblong, thin, 6-8 cm long. Ripen at the end of September – early October.

Life expectancy of spruce in the wild – 2-3 centuries.

Destination. Serbian "forest beauty" successfully used in landscape design – in the improvement of city streets, squares, parks, adjacent territories. Low-growing decorative forms are in particular demand, from which hedges, alpine slides, and winter gardens are created.

Immunity. The main enemies of the Serbian spruce – aphids and spider mites. When they appear on the tree, immediate treatment with specialized preparations is necessary.

Growing conditions. The view adapts perfectly to the environment. Resistant to frost up to –35––40°C, heat, smoke, gas and toxic emissions. It grows even on poor stony and sandy soils.

Spruce is often planted along roads, in industrial areas, urban environments, areas with unfavorable environmental conditions. It serves not only as a decoration, but also protects from winds, purifies the air, improves its composition, and has a beneficial effect on people's health.

Beware of fakes and infected planting material, purchase Serbian spruce seedlings in specialized nurseries.