Bird’s Nest Spruce
Picea abies ‘Nidiformis‘
Other Names: Bird’s Nest Norway Spruce
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-7b (8 in cool-summer climates?) Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Coniferous Evergreen Shrub
Height at Maturity: 2-3′, taller in ideal conditions
Width at Maturity: 4-6′, wider in ideal conditions
Spacing: Best as a specimen or in spaced groupings at 9 feet or more apart
Spacing: Best as a specimen or in spaced groupings at 9 feet or more apart
Growth Habit / Form: Mound, Spreading
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage Color: Grey Green
Fragrant Foliage: Yes
Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Filtered Afternoon Sun in hot climates; 6 hours or more of direct sunlight suggested
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sandy, Silt
Soil Drainage: Moist to Lightly Moist but Well Drained
Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.5 (Acid to Neutral)
Maintenance / Care: Very Low
Attracts: Visual Attention
Resistances: Cold Temperatures (-40F), Deer, Disease, Drought (moderate when established), Insect
Description
Named for its unique flat-topped mounding habit with a depression in the top-center resembling a bird’s nest, Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ is a dwarf selection of Norway Spruce perfect for growing in containers or planting as an accent in small spaces or groupings where space allows in landscape borders and home foundation plantings. Typically seen in landscapes at 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide at maturity, in ideal conditions, where summers are cooler, it can grow taller and wider. The evergreen needled foliage emerges glowing light green in spring maturing to a very handsome grey-green throughout the rest of the year. As with other Norway Spruce this one doesn’t like hot and arid climates. We suggest it for USDA Zones 3a to 7b and maybe 8 in cool-summer climates. It is extremely cold tolerant handling winter low temperatures down to -40F and deer typically turn their nose up to it.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing slowly in a dense rounded mound to 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide over time, the Bird’s Nest Spruce is ideal for use as an accent in small garden spaces or groupings where space allows in sunny landscape borders and home foundation plantings. A fine addition to conifer gardens and rock gardens.
Suggested Spacing: 3 to 4 feet apart for solid groupings or borders; 8 feet or more apart for space between plants
Growing Preferences
The Bird’s Nest Spruce is easy to grow in most any moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and full sun. We suggest at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Established plants have moderate drought tolerance. Good resistance to deer and pollution. Prefers cool-summer climates in USDA Zones 3 to 8. Afternoon shade and consistent moisture is suggested in warmer and drier climates. As with so many other conifers, constantly soggy or wet soils can lead to root rot or other harmful plant diseases. So make sure to plant this one in well-drained soil. In pots, soil moisture will need to be monitored more closely, especially during summer. When the top two inches of soil is dry, provide water. No pruning is necessary however a stray or damaged stem can be removed any time of year.
Note: Find helpful advice from our experts under the Planting & Care tab above on desktop monitors or below on mobile devices.
Plant Long & Prosper!
Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff
Questions? Contact Us!





















Reviews
There are no reviews yet.