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Woody > Picea > Picea abies > Picea abies 'Nidiformis'

Picea abies

'Nidiformis'


Birds Nest Spruce




Origin:  Found in Germany in 1904.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

This shrub, with its charming shape, is a good choice for adding texture and substance to the garden border. In the summer, it takes a back seat to the colourful perennials, but in winter, the bright green shrub keeps the garden looking alive.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

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Family
Pinaceae
Genus
Picea
Species
abies
Cultivar
'Nidiformis'
Category
Woody
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 7
Canadian Hardiness Zone
1b - 8a
Temperature (°C)
-40
Temperature (°F)
-40
Height
.95 – 1.95m
Spread
1.5 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
April
General Description
One of the most popular dwarf conifers. Dense rounded, compact, mounded habit, flat-topped spreading shrub with a depression in the centre. Long lived, highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments.
Landscape
It can be used for borders, groundcover, as an accent plant, or a foundation plant. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it is tolerant of such.
Cultivation
Full sun; moderately moist, well-drained soil; extremely hardy.
Shape
Spreading, dense, broad-rounded globe.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
Slow-growing dwarf cultivar, spreading, horizontal to slightly ascending branches form a dense, broad-rounded, shrubby, flattened globe. Mature plants have a depression in the centre of the flattened top, hence the common name of Bird’s Nest Spruce.
Pests
No serious insect or disease problems. Canker, wood decay, needle cast and rust may occur, it should be monitored for aphids, bagworms and mites
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Thin when young, scaly with age.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Green to brown.
Leaf Description
Thin dark, dull grey-green needles up to 2 cm long. Flat, thin and possess sharp, curved hooks on their undersides; a unique characteristic. Crowded on the branch, foliage emerges lime green in spring.
Flower Description
Monoecious, female flowers are terminal and are pink in colour.
Fruit Description
Cones, 9–17 cm long, erect or pendulous maturing in first, second, or occasionally third year, dehiscent or occasionally indehiscent, with many spirally arranged ovulate scales and bracts. Not ornamentally significant and quite rare.
Colour Description
Bright green shoots in spring, but a duller, rich green in winter.
Texture Description
They relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
Notable Specimens
A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. The Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada.
Propagation
Large specimens transplant easily, strikes easily from cuttings and grows quite fast when young.
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