Bird’s Nest Spruce (Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’)
Written by: Wanda Simone | Last Updated: May 3, 2024
A dwarf evergreen shrub, Bird’s Nest Spruce is perfect for adding low-maintenance greenery to rock gardens, or foundation plantings.
Plant snapshot
Scientific name: Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’
Plant type: shrub
Zone: 3 to 7
Exposure: sun
Height: 2′ to 8′
Width: 3′ to 12′
Bird’s Nest Spruce is a dwarf variety of the Norway spruce that gets its name from its shape.
It grows slowly to form a flattened sphere that is the perfect size for foundation plantings, rock gardens or to add some year-round structure to the front of a garden bed.
New needles come out as a bright green color that turns to gray-green as they age.
This shrub is deer resistant and very low maintenance.
Bird’s Nest Spruce characteristics
Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ Foliage
Leaf color: lime green
Leaf shape: needle-like
Foliage interest: evergreen
Bird’s Nest Spruce planting & care
Water: drought tolerant once established
Pruning: This shrub only requires occasional pruning to maintain its size.
Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ benefits & issues
Resistant to: deer
Landscaping uses: ground cover, rock gardens, foundation plantings
Growth habit: slow growing
More information
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