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Simple Tips For Growing And Caring For Your Bird's Nest Spruce Plant
By LAUREN KRYSTAF
The bird's nest spruce (Picea abies 'Nidiformis') resembles a nest with its round shape and indented center. Having minimal care requirements, it’s an ideal landscaping option.
As a dwarf cultivar of the Norway spruce, this little shrub is cold-tolerant and hardy in USDA zones 3-6. Neither heat- nor drought-tolerant, it’s not suited to zone 7 or above.
Unlike many spruces that can exceed 70 feet tall, bird's nest spruces only grow up to 2 feet in the first few years. However, mature plants can reach 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide.
This evergreen dwarf spruce has shallow roots and needs moist, acidic, well-draining soil. Plant it in full sun and give it lots of space to grow, as it doesn't like being pruned.
If your yard doesn't have the right soil for a bird's nest spruce, grow it in a container. This way, you can move it to a safe spot in a heat wave and ensure it gets enough water.