Picea abies Rothenhaus - Norway Spruce

The Picea abies 'Rothenhausii', also marketed under the name 'Rothenhaus', is a variety of common spruce sought after for its unique weeping habit. This elegant conifer resembles a cascade and reaches a classic height, but remains very narrow, making it easier to accommodate in many gardens. Descending from an upright trunk, branches and twigs rush towards the ground to form a skirt that hides its stump. Its dark green needle-like foliage is a beautiful adornment even in winter.

The 'Rothenhausii Spruce' is said to have been discovered in 1938 in a forest near Rothenhaus Castle near Eisenburg in the Czech Republic. The species type, Picea abies, also known as Norway Spruce or Red Spruce, is an evergreen conifer belonging to the pine family. It is native to Northern Europe, specifically Scandinavia. In its natural environment, it has a typically conical and pyramidal shape and can reach a height of 30m. This plant 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 'Rothenhausii' cultivar forms a tree 5 to 6m tall and 1m wide after 10 years. Its height growth is around 50cm per year initially, and then slows down over the years. Ultimately, it can reach a height of 10 to 15m and a width of about 2.50m. This tree develops a very straight and strong trunk that extends to its top: it does not need staking. The trunk branches out into heavy branches arranged in a spiral and almost completely hidden by the leafy twigs. Sometimes, certain branches located at the top of the tree gracefully rise towards the sky. The young spring shoots of this spruce are quite light green, and then its foliage darkens and becomes bluish dark green. Its small evergreen leaves are rigid needles, shorter than those of the species type, very prickly, arranged all around the twigs, in a brush-like manner. The root system of spruces is shallow and running, which makes them difficult to transplant when they are mature.

The Picea abies 'Rothenhausii' is used as a specimen tree. Its beautiful silhouette will make a statement when planted alone on a lawn, but also near a pool, as it blends well with geometric lines and masonry structures. The true graphic qualities of conifers naturally stand out in the design of a contemporary garden, which emphasises shapes, silhouettes, and textures. They go well with mahonias, heathers, or tousled grasses with a very complementary temperament. The key is to play with volumes and colours.