Picea abies Virgata - Norway Spruce

Picea abies 'Virgata' stands out as one of the most fantastical spruce trees. This vigorous cultivar, with substantial growth, is characterised by an irregular, asymmetrical, generally conical, and disordered habit. Its branches seem to constantly waver between sky and earth. It is best used as a standalone specimen, its peculiar silhouette making a striking statement in a large garden.

The 'Virgata' spruce is also sometimes sold under the name Picea abies 'Snake Branch'. It is a mutation of the botanical species Picea abies, also known as the Norway spruce or red fir. The latter is an evergreen conifer belonging to the Pinaceae family, native to northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia. In its natural environment, it typically has a conical, pyramidal habit and can reach heights of 30 m or more in Eastern Europe. This species is traditionally used as a Christmas tree in Europe. It thrives in well-drained, cool soils and is unfazed by very low temperatures. Picea abies 'Virgata' stands apart from other members of its family due to its bizarre and unruly habit. Unlike the classic pyramidal shape of spruces, 'Virgata' features irregularly growing branches, giving it a highly unusual appearance. The 'Virgata' spruce is a medium to large-sized tree, with fairly rapid growth, eventually reaching 12 to 15 m in height with a spread of 4 to 6 m. Its trunk extends up to the leading shoot, and the irregularly arranged branches do not form distinct tiers. In the upper part of the crown, the branches are erect, while elsewhere on the tree, they may be horizontal or trailing. These twisted, sparsely branching boughs bear shoots that trail down to the ground in long, tangled tufts, adding a dramatic and wild character to the tree's silhouette. The foliage is dense and dark green, composed of short, prickly needles densely arranged in clusters. The lighter young shoots in spring contrast with the older foliage. A mature specimen produces cones. The terminal female cones are initially upright and resemble reddish cigars before becoming pendulous. The male pollen sacs appear on the previous year's shoots, shaped like oval spindles and coloured orange-yellow. The spruce's root system is shallow and running, making mature trees difficult to transplant and particularly vulnerable to wind.

The extraordinary 'Virgata' Norway spruce is primarily used as a specimen tree. Its ghostly silhouette appears animated and stands out strikingly against a clear sky. It can be planted on a large lawn or near a swimming pool, as it complements geometric lines and stone structures beautifully. It also works well near water features, such as overlooking a rocky scree. It is ideal for adding height to beds of dwarf conifers. This variety is also favoured in Japanese-style or contemporary gardens, where its atypical silhouette can be showcased as an artistic element. At its base, you might plant heathers, ferns, or Japanese forest grass, for example.