A Bold, Upright Spruce for Cold Climates

The Big Berta White Spruce is a new spruce bred for northern hardiness. A hybrid between Picea glauca ‘North Star’ and Picea pungens ‘Montgomery,’ this tree combines the classic charm of a Dwarf Alberta Spruce with the toughness and vigor of a Colorado Spruce. The result is a conifer that’s more resilient, faster growing, and capable of withstanding challenging northern climates.

"Big Berta" lives up to its name. This spruce grows quickly into a narrow, upright form with longer, sharper needles that boast a rich forest green throughout the year. The growth habit remains structured but slightly more open, giving it a strong architectural form.

This spruce’s hybrid lineage provides beauty and durability. The Colorado Spruce parent contributes hardier needles that resist winter burn, even in full sun, while the White Spruce genetics ensure dense coverage and classic conical symmetry. While Dwarf Alberta Spruces may struggle with intense light or dry winters, Big Berta thrives (provided it receives consistent moisture when snow is scarce).

Ideal as a vertical accent, windbreak, or year-round focal point, Big Berta brings evergreen reliability to landscapes from foundation plantings to open northern gardens. It fast-growing nature, resilience, and texture makes it a new favorite for those seeking reliability every season. Grow yours today!