SCIENTIFIC NAME: Picea abies 'Nidiformis'
COMMON NAME: Nidiformis Bird's-Nest Spruce
GARDEN SIZE: 1-2 ft. tall x 3-4 ft. wide in first 10 years; potentially maturing to 8 ft. tall x 10-12 ft. wide
GROWTH RATE: Slow (up to 1.5 inches per year under ideal conditions)
USDA ZONE: 3 to 7
EXPOSURE: Full Sun
WATER & SOIL: Prefers medium moisture, well-drained soil.
HABIT (FORM): Flat globe with indentation (nest) in the middle
FOLIAGE: Evergreen; thin, light green when needles are new, maturing to dark gray-green
FLOWERS: n/a
FRUIT: Cones
PLANT ORIGIN: Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe
WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Provides winter cover and nesting areas for small mammals and birds.
FERTILIZING: Feed in spring and fall with acidic organic fertilizer.
PRUNING: Minimal shearing required. Hand pruning in late winter or early summer is best if you do decide to trim them.
PET SAFETY: May be toxic in large amounts, but not commonly eaten by pets. Always research further if you have concerns, as reactions can occur with anything.
USES: Border, Foundation, Specimen.