Picea abies ‘Little Gem’ (Norway Spruce)
Norway Spruce 'Little Gem', Little Gem Norway Spruce
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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
10" - 1' (30cm - 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 | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Fotoflor, Bailey Nurseries Inc
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.
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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
10" - 1' (30cm - 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 | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
