Picea omorika Beskid - Serbian Spruce

Picea omorika 'Beskid' is one of the most interesting dwarf varieties of Serbian Spruce, still little known and very difficult to find. Growing very slowly, it has a round shape and forms a small, almost spherical bush. Its slender, slightly hairy branches resemble dense little brushes. The round silhouette is accompanied by short needles, green on the upper side and silver on the reverse. It is interesting in small gardens and large rockeries, and adapts very well to container cultivation. Original and sculptural, it is a very hardy small conifer, undemanding in cool climates, appreciating well-drained soils that are not too dry, and a sunny exposure.

Picea omorika, also known as Serbian Spruce, is a plant of the pinaceae family native to Bosnia and Serbia. It is a rare species, endemic to the Drina Valley (in Western and Eastern Serbia), although it can also be found in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In its harsh natural environment, this tree exceeds 30 m (98 ft 5 in) in height and has a narrow pyramidal shape and pendulous branches. This conifer is very tolerant of soil conditions and withstands pollution very well.

The 'Beskid' variety is a very rare dwarf conifer with a compact, spherical shape that forms a bush as wide as it is tall after many years. Its growth is very slow. At 10 years old, it will reach 60 to 80 cm (23.6 to 31.5 in) in all directions. It produces thin, flexible branches arranged in a bushy tuft. They are covered with aromatic, short, flattened needles, measuring 10 to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.8 in) in length and soft to the touch, arranged in dense brushes. They are dark blue-green on the upper side and have 2 white bands on the underside, which gives the foliage its silvery appearance.

The dwarf Serbian Spruce 'Beskid' deserves to be discovered and planted more in gardens. With its easy cultivation, distinct shape, and very compact growth, it is a perfect plant for small gardens, rockeries, and terraces. It thrives in many situations and adapts to various climates, as long as the soil is well-drained. This rounded plant goes well with large stones, geometric lines, and masonry. It can be associated with dwarf conifers with a prostrate (Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip), columnar or pyramidal habit. The architectural qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over flowers. These plants structurally define a planting bed, mark pathways and border the terrace, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. They also go well with heathers or ground cover plants such as aubrietas, cerastiums and shrubby salvias, as well as flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.