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RedCrocus Bird's Nest Spruce Live Plant - Picea abies 'nidimormis' Dwarf Evergreen Conifer, Cold-Hardy, Low Maintenance, Outdoor Landscape Shrub 3 Gallon Nursery Pot

RedCrocus Bird's Nest Spruce Live Plant - Picea abies 'nidimormis' Dwarf Evergreen Conifer, Cold-Hardy, Low Maintenance, Outdoor Landscape Shrub 3 Gallon Nursery Pot

$260.00 USD
$338.00 USD $260.00 USD
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Pot Size

Picea Abies 'nidimormis'

Compact, nest-forming Norway spruce for year-round structure and texture
A hardy, low-maintenance evergreen valued for its dense, bird’s‑nest habit and finely textured dark-green needles. Ideal for foundations, rock gardens, and containers.
Evergreen Conifer USDA Zones 3–7 Slow Growth Full Sun to Part Shade Deer Resistant

Description

Picea Abies 'nidimormis' is a dwarf, mounding selection of Norway spruce with a distinctive bird’s‑nest form—branches radiate outward, creating a low, flattened crown with a shallow central depression. Tight needles emerge fresh green and mature to a rich, deep green, offering reliable year-round color. Exceptionally cold-hardy and wind-tolerant, this cultivar delivers tidy structure with minimal pruning and thrives in well-drained soils. Commonly used as a foundation accent, in conifer borders, or in rock and alpine gardens where its refined texture and compact habit shine. Often known in trade as “bird’s nest spruce.”

Suggested Uses

  • Foundation and front‑of‑border accent
  • Rock and alpine gardens
  • Small-space and courtyard gardens
  • Four-season structure in mixed beds
  • Low hedge or edging mass
  • Containers and planters
  • Conifer and heather collections
  • Winter interest and texture

Plant Details

  • Botanical name iconBotanical NamePicea Abies 'nidimormis'
  • Common name iconCommon NamePicea Abies 'nidimormis' (Bird’s Nest Spruce type)
  • Size and growth iconSize & GrowthTypically 2–3 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide in 10 years; may mature to 4–6 ft tall × 6–10 ft wide with age; dense, nest‑forming habit.
  • Hardiness zones iconHardiness ZonesUSDA 3–7; extremely cold-hardy once established.
  • Foliage type iconFoliage TypeEvergreen conifer; short, stiff needles in dense radial sprays; deep green all year.
  • Bloom time iconBloom TimeProduces inconspicuous pollen and seed cones in spring; primary interest is foliage and form.
  • Growth rate iconGrowth RateSlow; about 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) per year under average conditions.
  • Light requirements iconLight RequirementsFull sun to light/part shade; best density in full sun in cool summers; provide afternoon shade in hotter regions.
  • Attracts pollinators iconAttracts PollinatorsWind‑pollinated; not a pollinator plant, but offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and beneficial insects.
  • Indoor friendly iconIndoor FriendlyNot suitable as a houseplant; best grown outdoors. Can be displayed in porch containers seasonally.
  • Container friendly iconContainer FriendlyYes, for many years when young. Use a large, well‑drained pot and protect roots in winter in cold zones.
  • Deer resistant iconDeer ResistantGenerally deer‑resistant, though light browsing may occur if forage is scarce.
  • Pet warning iconPet WarningGenerally considered non‑toxic; ingestion of sharp needles may cause mild GI upset. Keep pets from chewing branches.
  • Fragrance iconFragrantNot notably fragrant in the landscape; needles and twigs have a pleasant resinous scent when crushed.
  • Cut flower iconCut FlowerNot used as a cut flower; small boughs are useful for winter greens and arrangements.
  • Companions iconGrows Well WithGrows Well With Heathers (Calluna, Erica), dwarf pines (Pinus mugo), junipers, sedums, Heuchera, Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa), hellebores, low barberry.
Note: Where cultivar-specific data varies, values reflect typical performance of dwarf, bird’s‑nest forms of Norway spruce in average garden conditions.

Care Tips

  • Planting instructions iconPlanting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall. Choose a sunny site with good air flow. Dig a hole 2–3× the width of the root ball, same depth; loosen circling roots. Set with the root flare at or slightly above grade, backfill, and water thoroughly.
  • Soil moisture iconSoil MoistureKeep evenly moist the first 1–2 years. Once established, moderately drought‑tolerant; water during prolonged dry spells (about 1″ per week). Avoid waterlogged soils.
  • Soil type iconSoil TypeWell‑drained loam or sandy loam; slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0). Amend heavy clay with coarse sand/grit and compost or plant on a gentle berm.
  • Humidity iconHumidityAverage outdoor humidity is fine. Mulch to buffer soil moisture in hot, dry climates; provide some afternoon shade in areas with intense summer heat.
  • Pruning instructions iconPruning InstructionsMinimal pruning needed. In late winter or very early spring, remove dead or crossing wood. To maintain the “nest” form, pinch or shorten any strong vertical shoots; avoid cutting into bare, old wood and avoid tight shearing.
  • Winter care iconWinter CareHardy to Zone 3. Apply a 2–3″ mulch in late fall, keeping it off the trunk. Water deeply before freeze. Shelter new plantings from drying winds. In containers, overwinter pots in a protected, unheated space or heel them into soil.
  • Planting depth iconPlanting DepthSet at the same depth as in the nursery pot; the root flare should be visible and slightly above the final soil line. Do not bury the crown.
  • Fertilization iconFertilizationLight feeder. In early spring, apply a slow‑release, balanced fertilizer or conifer‑specific feed if growth is sparse. Compost top‑dressing annually often suffices. Avoid high‑nitrogen fertilization late in the season.
  • Special care iconSpecial CareProvide space for mature width; avoid reflected heat and soggy sites. Monitor for spruce spider mites (rinse foliage and encourage beneficials). Ensure good air circulation to reduce needle cast. If a strong leader forms, remove it to preserve the low, nest‑like habit.
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