‘Little Gem’ Dwarf Norway Spruce Tree (Single Trunk)

Picea abies ‘Little Gem‘

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-8a Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Coniferous Evergreen Shrub

Height at Maturity: 2.5 to 3′ ball above slender trunk

Width at Maturity: 2.5-3′
Spacing: Use as a specimen

Growth Habit / Form: Globe

Growth Rate: Slow, 1 to 2 inches per year

Foliage Color: Glowing Bright Green new growth maturing to Medium to Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: Yes

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Filtered Afternoon Sun in hot climates of Zone 7a-8a

Water Needs: Average, low when established

Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Drainage: Moist to Lightly Moist but Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.5 (Acid to Neutral)

Maintenance / Care: Very Low to None

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Cold Temperatures (-40F), Deer, Disease, Drought (when established), Insect

Description

Petiteness, unique shape, and little to no maintenance are what make the tree form Little Gem Norway Spruce the perfect little ball of joy, and cold hardiness to -40F and slow growth make it an excellent addition to the patio garden and small landscape spaces and rock gardens. Though the delightfully splendid “ball-on-stick” form may appear carefully manicured, it’s not. Little Gem grows dense and round all on its own with no need for trimming. Adding only an inch or two in size per year, with a dense, round form reaching only 3 feet high and wide over a slender trunk, this “little gem” provides year-round interest with its petit evergreen foliage. The soft new growth emerges a brilliant lime green turning to a handsome darker green through the rest of the yea. The Little Gem Norway Spruce Tree is an exceptional, compact tree with low-maintenance requirements and a pristine finish that provides wonderful texture and form in the landscape.

NOTE: In areas where summers are hot, we suggest locating this one where it will receive some shade or filtered sun during the midafternoon hours when the sun and heat are most intense.

Landscape & Garden Uses

The Little Gem Dwarf Norway Spruce Tree is ideal for use as a specimen in containers and small garden spaces, home foundation plantings and conifer or rock gardens.

Suggested Spacing: We suggest using this unusual plant as a specimen or in spaced groupings or lines.

Growing Preferences

Little Gem Dwarf Norway Spruce is easy to grow in a damp to moist but well-drained soil of average fertility. It prefers a sandy loam. 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. It grows best in full sun however in Zones 7a and 8a in the south and other hot climates it will prefer some shade or filtered sun during the midafternoon hours, when temperatures are highest and the sun most intense. Once established water needs are quite low when growing in the ground. 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.

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!