Picea abies ‘Rydal’ (Norway Spruce)

Flaming crimson tips on a little Christmas tree .. How cute is that? For a few weeks each year, the tree is a show stopper and once the new growth has matured to green, the slow growing conical shape is charming. May grow to 2 metres in 20 years.

Full sun to light shade, in most soils that are well drained and acidic. Can be pruned lightly to maintain shape after new shoots have faded. Ultimate height 5metres after many years.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.