Picea omorika 'De Ruyter' / De Ruyter Serbian spruce

Picea omorika 'De Ruyter' is a moderately slow growing, irregular upright selection of Serbian spruce with dense branching of widely variable length, and species-typical silvery blue-green foliage. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 6 feet (2 m) tall and 4 feet (1.3 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 6 to 8 inches.

[ Iseli Nursery online catalog ] Texture, color and an irregular sculptural habit give the adaptable, slow-growing Picea omorika ‘De Ruyter’ its unique character and make it an excellent focal point for the small garden. Individual shoots display either blue needles for a frosty look, or green needles for a softer look, both on the same plant. The interesting, rustic appearance will accent many garden styles.

This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in the late 1930s by G. De Ruyter, Hazerswoude, The Netherlands. Den Ouden and Boom Nursery of Boskoop, The Netherlands introduced it to the nursery trade about 10 years later.