Picea abies Inversa - Norway Spruce

Picea abies 'Inversa' stands out for its characteristic and unique habit. Its axial branch is generally guided by a stake upwards to achieve a certain height. It eventually forms a narrow column covered with descending branches, with dense, vibrant green foliage, hanging like root hairs. Its base completely disappears under a never-ending trailing train that spreads on the ground. This surprising conifer grows slowly, reaching a height of 5 m to 8 m (16.4 ft to 26. 2 ft) and a spread of 2 m to 2.5 m (6.6 ft to 8.2 ft). Plant as a solitary specimen to adorn a large slope or in the centre of a flower bed. It appreciates dappled sunlight and thrives in cool, well-drained soil with little limestone.

Picea abies, also known as Norwegian Spruce or Red Spruce, is an evergreen conifer belonging to the Pinaceae family, native to northern Europe, specifically Scandinavia. In its natural environment, it has a typically conical and pyramidal habit and can reach a height of 30 m (98.4 ft). This species is traditionally used as a Christmas tree in Europe. It prefers well-drained and cool soils and is not afraid of very low temperatures.

The 'Inversa' variety derived from this species, is a unique form with a narrow, highly branched and weeping habit. If staked, it forms a rather erect small tree after a few years, with its axial branch beginning to bend strongly once it is no longer held in a vertical position. Its growth is quite slow. This conifer develops long, flexible and descending branches, closely pressed against the trunk. Over time, the lowest branches form a beautiful carpet. If left to its own devices and cultivated without a stake, the 'Inversa' spruce will show a creeping habit, allowing it to stand out in a large rock garden. Its foliage is a bright and vivid green. Its small leaves are stiff and prickly, arranged in clusters all around the branches, in 'brush' fashion. The female cones, pendant and oblong, measuring 10 cm to 15 cm (3.9 in to 5.9 in) in length, are purple, while the male cones, red in colour, turn yellow from pollen. The root system of spruces is shallow and spreading, which makes them difficult to transplant when mature and particularly sensitive to wind.

The weeping 'Inversa' spruce, with its exceptional ornamental qualities, deserves to be planted more often. Its picturesque appearance and strong personality make it suitable for being the centrepiece of a flower bed or lawn, as its silhouette stands out beautifully against a clear sky. It can also be planted near a water feature, as it performs well in moist soil. It lends itself well to the art of bonsai. The structural qualities of conifers naturally shine in a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of forms, silhouettes, and textures over the fleeting appearance of flowers. These plants have a reassuring permanence that provides lasting structure to a flower bed. They can be used to mark pathways and border terraces, easily replacing trimmed boxwood. They can be combined with wild grasses and heathers with very complementary temperaments. The key is to play with volumes and colours.