Picea abies ‘Witches’ Brood’ (Norway Spruce)
Norway Spruce 'Witches' Brood', Witches' Brood Norway Spruce, Picea Abies 'Millstream Broom'
Picea abies ‘Witches’ Brood’ (Norway Spruce) is a dwarf, evergreen shrub forming a charming globe when young, becoming broadly conical over time. Reminiscent of ostrich feathers, its perfectly symmetrical branches are densely covered with finely textured, light green needles. A slow grower, 2 in. per year (5 cm), this Norway Spruce is perfect as a specimen, for foundation plantings or rock gardens.
- Grows up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 cm).
- 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 | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Picea |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
F. D. Richards (Flickr)
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 |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
