Norway spruce Nidiformis

Synonyms: P. excelsa var. nidiformis Веissner

Norway spruce Nidiformis Picea abies Nidiformis – a coniferous plant of the species Norway spruce (Picea abies) in the pine family. The cultivar was obtained at the RULEMANN-GRISSON nursery in Hamburg-3азельхайде (Germany) in 1904.

It is a dwarf conifer shrub 1.2 (1.3) m high and 2,5 м wide. At the age of 35 years it is 1 м high and 2 м wide. Annual height growth 3-4 см, width about 5-8 см. Crown rounded-flat, with a typical nest-like depression, branch tips curved outwards; with age the crown becomes irregularly semicircular, with indistinct tiering.

Foliage needle-like, 7-10 мм long, radial only at the top, light green in color. Branches grow evenly, in a fan shape. Shoots numerous.

Hardiness zone: zone 3a (-40C).

Location/exposure: light-loving but shade-tolerant. In youth suffers from spring burning. Grows well on fresh, well-drained acidic, sandy-loam or loamy soil. Does not tolerate waterlogging, drought or soil salinity. Does not tolerate air pollution. In monoculture may lead to soil acidification.

Planting: Soil mix: turf and leaf soil, peat, sand in ratio 2:2:1:1. Drainage is made from crushed brick, layer 15-20 см. Planting depth: 50-70 см. Root collar at ground level.

Care: after planting you can apply 100-150 г of nitroammophoska. During dry periods it is recommended to water daily 10-12 л per plant. It is also desirable to spray the crown. Loosening is carried out to a depth of 5-6 см, mixing the peat with the soil rather than removing it. Young seedlings need to be covered with fir boughs for the winter.

Pruning: sanitary pruning

Diseases: шютте, снежное шютте, фузариоз, stem and root rot, bark necrosis, canker (ulcerous) cancer, cone rust, еловый вертун.

Pests: spruce leafroller, spider mite, Sitka spruce aphid.

Uses: suitable for container growing, green roofs, rock gardens, single and group plantings.