Picea abies Nidiformis (Norway Spruce)
Resembling a bird’s nest, Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ (Norway Spruce) is a dwarf, spreading, evergreen shrub adorned with a depression in the middle of its flat top. This broadly rounded, symmetrical Spruce produces dense, horizontal layers of branches covered with refreshing, light-green, short needles. A slow grower, 1-6 in. per year (2-15 cm), this widely popular Norway Spruce makes a great garden rock or foundation plant. A very old cultivar introduced in the early 1900s.
Resembling a bird's nest, Picea abies 'Nidiformis' (Norway Spruce) is a dwarf, spreading, evergreen shrub adorned with a depression in the middle of its flat top. This broadly rounded, symmetrical Spruce produces dense, horizontal layers of branches covered with refreshing, light-green, short needles. A slow grower, 1-6 in. per year (2-15 cm), this widely popular Norway Spruce makes a great garden rock or foundation plant. A very old cultivar introduced in the early 1900s.
- Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm) at maturity.
- Performs best in full sun in slightly acidic, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Adaptable to a wide variety of soil conditions, it tolerates dry sites and wind. Generally prefers cool climates and will struggle in hot and humid climate areas. Tolerant of air pollution.
- Perfect as a distinctive specimen plant in the sunny border.
- Watch for adelgids, aphids and conifer red spider mite. Easy to grow and easy to care for.
- No pruning required.
- Propagate by grafting or semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Picea abies species is native to Europe.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3 |
| Plant Type | Conifers, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Picea – Spruces |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
| Spacing | 96″ (240cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Traditional Garden |