Picea abies Hana Subutus - Norway Spruce

Picea abies 'Hana Subutus' is a dwarf variety of the common spruce tree discovered in 2004 and still rarely available for sale. It forms a small bushy plant, initially erect then more rounded, with a very compact habit. The light green spring shoots create a beautiful contrast with the older, dark bluish-green foliage. The brown winter cones are highly ornamental. This rounded and slightly untidy silhouette elegantly fits into flower beds, enlivens rockeries, or stands out in a pot on the terrace. It has a very slow growth rate and is easy to cultivate in well-drained, neutral to acidic, even poor soil, in full sun or partial shade.

The Picea abies, also known as the Norway spruce or red spruce, is an evergreen conifer belonging to the pinaceae family, native to northern Europe, specifically Scandinavia. In its natural environment, it has a typically conical and pyramidal habit and can reach a height of 30 metres (98 feet 5 inches) or more in Eastern Europe. This species is traditionally used as a Christmas tree in Europe. It thrives in well-drained and moist soils and is happy in very low temperatures.

The 'Hana Subutus' variety, derived from this species, is a dwarf form with a compact, rounded, and laterally spreading habit. Its growth rate is very slow, growing only 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 in) per year. It reaches a height of  30 to 40 cm and approximately 50 cm (19.7 in) in diameter. It produces short and tightly packed branches, densely covered with short and hard needles arranged in a brush-like manner. The reddish-brown winter buds, are highly decorative. Its young spring shoots are a very tender and bright green, then its foliage takes on a uniformly dark bluish-green hue. The root system of spruce trees is shallow and spreading, making them difficult to transplant when mature and particularly sensitive to wind.

The 'Hana Subutus' spruce, with its attractive habit, particularly reduced growth, low maintenance, and ease of cultivation, is a perfect plant for rockeries and terraces. It blends well with large stones, geometric lines, and masonry. It can be combined with columnar or upright dwarf conifers. The architectural qualities of conifers naturally shine in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over flowers. These plants structurally enhance flower beds, mark pathways and border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. They also go well with heathers or ground cover plants such as aubrietas, cerastiums and shrubby salvias, or flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.