Picea abies Little Gem - Norway Spruce

Picea abies 'Little Gem' is a dwarf variety of common spruce that resembles a small, round and compact cushion, forming an almost perfect ball. It spreads over time, displaying short branches covered with dense, light green and vibrant foliage. It is highly ornamental, its small silhouette elegantly fitting into flower beds, enlivening rockeries or standing out in pots on the terrace. It has very slow growth and is easy to cultivate in ordinary, well-drained soil which is not too dry, 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 pine family (Pinaceae), native to northern Europe, specifically Scandinavia. In its natural environment, it has a typically conical and pyramidal shape and can reach a height of 30 m (98 ft 5 in). This species is traditionally used as a Christmas tree in Europe. It prefers well-drained and cool soils and is happy in very low temperatures.

The 'Little Gem' variety, derived from this species, is a dwarf form with a compact, rounded and spreading habit. Its growth is very slow. Eventually, it will reach 30 cm (11.8 in) in height and approximately 50 to 60 cm (19.7 to 23.6 in) in diameter. It produces short and tightly packed branches, densely covered with very short, brush-like needles. The reddish-brown winter cones are highly decorative. Its young spring shoots are a very tender and bright green, then its foliage takes on a uniformly vibrant green. The root system of spruces is shallow and spreading, making them difficult to transplant when mature and particularly sensitive to wind.

The 'Little Gem' Spruce, with its attractive rounded shape, very compact growth, low maintenance, and ease of cultivation, is a perfect plant for rockeries and terraces. It pairs well with large stones, geometric lines, and masonry. It can be combined with columnar or upright dwarf conifers. The architectural qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over flowers. They go well with heathers or ground-cover plants such as aubrietas, cerastiums and shrubby salvias, as well as flowering shrubs.