What hardiness zones is Picea abies 'Nidiformis' suitable for?

Picea abies 'Nidiformis' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Picea abies 'Nidiformis'?

Picea abies 'Nidiformis' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Picea abies 'Nidiformis' need?

Picea abies 'Nidiformis' has Medium water needs.

Picea abies 'Nidiformis', bird's nest spruce

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Coniferous Shrubs

Picea abies 'Nidiformis'

bird's nest spruce

Pinaceae

Cultivar of European origin; species native to northern and central Europe

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitSpreading

FoliageEvergreen

Height3–6 feet (90–180 cm)

Width4–10 feet (1.2–3 m)

Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Picea abies 'Nidiformis' is a dwarf, mounding cultivar of Norway spruce, forming a flat-topped to slightly concave shape with a characteristic central depression. Plants typically reach 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) tall and 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) wide after 10 years; mature specimens may reach 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) wide over several decades at a rate of 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) per year. Short, dark green needles, 0.5–0.75 inch (12–19 mm) long, are densely arranged on flattened horizontal branch sprays that radiate outward from the center. The central depression that gives the cultivar its nest-like appearance is formed by the outward-spreading lateral branches with no dominant central leader. Root competition and canopy closure from adjacent large plants can suppress the characteristic spreading form. Produces small cylindrical cones 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long on mature plants; cones are infrequent on young plants. Spider mites are a recurring problem in hot, dry summers, causing yellowing needles and thinning foliage.

Native Range

The species Picea abies is native to northern and central Europe, from Scandinavia south through the Alps and Carpathians to the Balkans. The cultivar 'Nidiformis' originated in cultivation and does not have a native range.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in rock gardens, foundation plantings, and mixed shrub borders at 5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 m) from adjacent plants to accommodate mature spread. Used in containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L) with adequate drainage; growth rate slows further in containers and plants require more frequent watering. Site selection must account for eventual width of 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m), as the spreading form is difficult to prune back without disfiguring the plant.

How to Identify

Picea abies 'Nidiformis' is identified by its low, flat-topped to bowl-shaped mounding form with a visible central depression and no dominant central leader. Short dark green needles, 0.5–0.75 inch (12–19 mm), are densely arranged on flattened horizontal branch sprays radiating outward. Distinguished from P. abies 'Gregoryana' by the larger, more open form and from P. abies 'Pumila' by the flatter top and more pronounced central depression.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'

Width/Spread4' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

red

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Male strobili are small, reddish-yellow, releasing pollen in April–May. Female cones, when produced, are cylindrical, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, maturing from green to brown in the first season. Cone production is sparse on young plants and becomes more consistent on specimens over 10 years old.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

reddish-yellow (male strobili)

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20–30 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate short dry periods but show needle browning after 3–4 weeks without rain in summer. Site in well-drained soil with consistent moisture; waterlogged conditions cause root rot and dieback. Spider mites infest foliage in hot, dry weather above 85°F (29°C); affected needles yellow and drop, with mite populations highest on stressed plants. Fertilization is not required in adequate soils; excess nitrogen stimulates atypically lush growth that can reduce cold hardiness. Snow load may deform the spreading branches on mature plants; heavy accumulations can be brushed off gently. Plants maintain form without pruning; no deadheading or division applies to this conifer.

Pruning

Pruning is not required to maintain the characteristic spreading, nest-like form. Dead or damaged branches can be removed at any time. If a branch extends beyond the desired footprint, it can be shortened in late winter before new growth begins; cut back to a lateral branch rather than to bare wood, as P. abies does not reliably bud from old wood.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic