Botanical Name: Picea abies 'Little Gem'
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Common Name: Little Gem Norway Spruce  
Plant photo of: Picea abies 'Little Gem'
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Conifer, Shrub

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Container, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

'Little Gem' is an extremely slow-growing evergreen, forming a rounded, compact globe growing about 18 to 24 inches tall and 2 to 3 feet across. New growth, the candles, are bright, light green, and grow into rich green needles. Though this is sometimes available as a standard, it is as its best as a cheery little globe of green, tucked in the shrub, foundation, or perennial border.
Grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers sandy-loam soils, but will tolerate light shade and clay soils. This is an excellent selection for foundations, rock gardens, path edgings or as a small garden specimen.