Picea abies 'Berry Gardens' / Berry Gardens Norway spruce

Picea abies 'Berry Gardens' is a clumpy, irregular-globose to upright-growing selection of Norway spruce with stiff, random branching holding dark green needles and conspicuous buds. After 10 years a mature specimen will measure 24 inches (60 cm) tall and 18 inches (45 cm) wide, an annual growth rate of 2 to 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm).

The origin of this cultivar is unfortunately unknown and has been circulating within the nursery trade since the early 1990s. One sees many similar names, such as Picea abies 'Berry Garden Slow,' Berry Garden Fast,' and 'Berryi.' In the case of the first two, it's probably a function of propagating different parts of the tree and in the second case we're possibly seeing confusion with the well-known cultivar, Picea abies 'Barryi.'

Picea abies 'Berry Gardens' — a well-maintained mature specimen in an arboretum setting.
Photo by Bill Barger
Picea abies 'Berry Gardens' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger
Picea abies 'Berry Gardens' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger

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