Care for Creeping Spruce

Creeping spruce, instead of growing in a Christmas tree shape like its cousins, has a ground-hugging, mounding habit. Most varieties have an attractive blue cast to the needles, and the plant is commonly used as a groundcover. Creeping spruce, depending on variety, grows to a height of about 30 inches and spreads 5 to 6 feet. It thrives in most soil types, although it prefers acid soil. Well-drained soil is a must to avoid root rot. A low-maintenance garden ornamental, creeping spruce is ideal for a xeriscape garden.

Miticide
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Grow the creeping spruce in full sun or partial shade. If you decide to grow it in the shade, make sure the location you choose doesn't remain damp after it rains or after irrigation.
- 2
  Water the creeping spruce only during periods of extended drought. Water to a depth of 10 inches, and allow the soil to dry before watering again.
- 3
  Check the creeping spruce periodically for signs of spider mites. These pests are especially attracted to all spruce species. They are very small and almost impossible to see with the naked eye. Look for webbing on branches, especially on the interior and lower part of the plant. Use a miticide that is labeled for use on the spruce spider mite. Follow package directions.
- 4
  Prune out dead growth, and cut back the current season's growth if you want to control the size of the creeping spruce. The best time to prune the creeping spruce is late winter.

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