The Alberta Globe is a very slow growing conifer that is a variety of the Alberta spruce. With it being small, it is ideal for growing in containers and areas with limited space. The Alberta Globe is an evergreen shrub that has very small needles, which allows it to be shaped into a dome shape and easily maintained. The Alberta Globe is a dwarf conifer and it requires virtually zero maintenance.
The Alberta Globe is relatively slow growing and is a small variety. This conifer will only grow to a maximum of 1 meter which is about 40 inches and will spread to a roughly equal diameter of 1 meter (39-40 inches). Different species of Alberta Globe appear in slightly different shades of green but all tend to be very similar in appearance. when not shipped and Alberta globe may grow slightly upwards in an almost inverted cone shape. This particular happens when the Alberta club is potted in a container.
Where to Grow the Alberta Globe
When growing an Alberta Globe it is ideal to place the conifer in an area that is sheltered from cold frost and strong winds. Many gardeners decide to put the Alberta Globe into containers and have these as decorations around the garden. This is particularly beautiful when the garden has a rockery effect or has stones. The Alberta Globe likes to grow in moist but drained soil and does not enjoy particularly damp or marshy conditions.
The Alberta Globe tends to prefer a slightly acidic soil and is happy to be placed in full and direct sunlight. If the soil in your garden is not acidic, you may potentially add additional topsoil of an acidic variety or a compost that decreases the pH of the soil. Alberta Globes will also grow in a neutral soil. We recommend that you do not alter the pH of your soil in wide areas because this may be detrimental to other plants and wildlife. This type of conifer is relatively hardy. The conifer will grow in several soil types including loam, sandy soils and clay. Please see the aboutplants.com article that explains the different types of soil for further information.
The Alberta Globe may take anything from 15 to 20 years to reach full maturity and maximum size, but is always a relatively small shrub, reaching a maximum of approximately 40 inches (circa 1 meter) in diameter in most circumstances.
When maintained on containers and pruned regularly, a miniature and defined shape can be maintained.
Nomenclature
The Alberta Globe is often referred to as an Alberta Spruce. The official name is Picea glauca, variety of Albertina.
Maintenance
Once the Alberta Globe is established it may be pruned to maintain a specific shape (usually a globe, dome or spherical shape) or it may be left and if it is left alone, virtually no maintenance is required. The Alberta Globe is evergreen and is a beautiful addition to any garden.
More About Conifers
Please look at our additional articles on conifers and pines and other evergreen varieties for your garden.