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Picea abies ‘Little Gem’ (Norway Spruce)

Norway Spruce 'Little Gem', Little Gem Norway Spruce

AGM Award
Picea abies 'Little Gem', Norway Spruce 'Little Gem', Little Gem Norway Spruce, Evergreen Conifer, Evergreen Shrub, Dwarf Conifer, Dwarf Spruce
Picea abies 'Witches' Brood', Norway Spruce Witches' Brood, Witches' Brood Norway Spruce, Evergreen Conifer, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree

Deservedly desirable, Picea abies ‘Little Gem’ (Norway Spruce) is a dwarf, evergreen shrub of dense habit, forming a flattened globe or bun. Its short branches are covered with finely textured, soft, tiny needles, emerging bright green in spring and turning dark green over time. A slow grower, 1 in. per year (2.5 cm), this popular miniature Norway Spruce is a wonderful addition to rock gardens and containers.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm) after 10 years.
  • 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, city gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens or containers.
  • 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 Pinaceae
Genus Picea
Common names Spruce, Norway Spruce, Common Spruce
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Picea pungens (Colorado Blue Spruce)
Picea abies (Norway Spruce)
Picea pungens var. glauca (Colorado Blue Spruce)
Picea rubens (Red Spruce)
Picea mariana ‘Nana’ (Black Spruce)
Picea engelmannii (Engelmann Spruce)

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Native Plant Alternatives to Picea abies (Norway Spruce)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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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 Pinaceae
Genus Picea
Common names Spruce, Norway Spruce, Common Spruce
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Picea (Spruce)
Guides with
Picea (Spruce)
Not sure which Picea (Spruce) to pick?
Compare Now

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