Picea abies 'Cruenta' is a slow-growing, upright, tree-form of Norway spruce that is not particularly interesting except for about two weeks in the spring when the new flush of foliage bursts forth in spectacular red when buds break. Unfortunately the color fades quickly, particularly if temperatures are warm. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 4.5 feet (1.5 m) tall and 3 feet (1 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 4 to 6 inches (10 - 15 cm).
This cultivar was selected and named in the mid 1970s by Tage Lundell of Helsingborg, Sweden where he named a unique tree found growing an unidentified botanical garden. 'Cruenta' is considered to be synonymous with P. abies 'Lundell's Red Needle' and 'Crusita,' which translates into 'Clone' in the Swedish language.
