it will not harm the plant .... both of the two buds just below .. will try to become leaders.... in about two years.. you will cut one off.. and let the other go ... i would cut off the broken one now ... suck it up.. just do it... i know.. it will be hard .. lol ... mine lost its leader 3 times in 5 years ....which reminds me.. i have to go cut one off also ... ken

You want the best of both worlds built into one conifer. That is not possible with the two you have chosen. Picea a. 'Pendula' has a wondering growing habit. It will grow vertical on the stake as long as on the stake. When it reaches a height you can no longer stake it then the central leader will begin to wonder. It will need more room horizontally to grow then "Glauca Pendula'. The only favorable thing it has going for it is the dark green color you like. On the other hand Picea glauca 'Pendula' will grow straight as an arrow without the stake. It will not wonder and stay very narrow in growing width. A much more formal looking conifer then . Growing height is similar with 'Reflexa' the stronger.. Actually I have two of each growing in different areas of my garden. I would not grow them together. The look would not be appealing with the mismatched growing habit. I have enclosed two photos of 'Reflexa'. 'Pendula' in the nursery trade. This one on the stake only 2 years then left to free range. This one was staked for 10 years but now off the stake. The main leader is now some what unstable and reverting back to its wandering growing habit. This photo is two years old and does not reveal this. And of course Picea glauca 'Pendula'. A true champion growing in any garden. I hope I didn't totally confuse you in your decision making. Both are great focal point conifers. If you decide to mix and match go for it. You are the one who needs to be happy. Dave

Thanks so much for that response. I had my heart set on that tree, but I don't want to make the mistake of getting something too broad. I kind of don't want the "spire" look...I have 12 arborvitae (sorry don't remember which ones) in my back yard to create a privacy curtain on each side. (so I think I'm sated on that) I've left the back open because it looks out on a grassy common area that makes things feel a little more spacious. Anyway, I will attach a picture of the spot. My lot line is where you see the Arborvitae begin. (actually I think they encroach into the easement). It's the east side of the house, so lots of sun until afternoon, and nothing will be built any closer to block it. Since I don't want the "spire" look, I'm guessing I will just end up with small shrubs and plants. I'm also on the hunt for a deciduous tree to plant in front of my house (south). There is more space there obviously but it will probably be planted only 12-15 feet from the house. I already have a Japanese Maple (Crimson Queen) on the other side of the front lawn and have plenty of red and crimson plants in front. I would love to have something GREEN, I live in zone 5b and the spot is full sun, all day. I'm told paperbark maple needs some shade and a coral bark maple won't tolerate our winters. (I have a Kousa Dogwood and a Red Maples planted in back.) Any suggestions?

I would leave it for at least 2-3 years as it may sort itself out on its own (I was doubful this would, but it did). This used to have 2 leaders. When you wait until late Nov. for 50% off, you often end up with “weirder the better” material. This sorted itself out on its own. Its in a wet location (P. Pungens to right is in very wet spot and planted too low hence lower branches dying). Perhaps this helped sort it out (more quickly). The dwarf Alberta spruce to its left is reverting. I really, really, really like weeping white spruce, especially tall, older specimens. A deer also got to this about 3 years ago.