Height: 18 inches Spread: 18 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4a Other Names: Norwegian Spruce Description: An extremely small and compact rounded shrub, very unlike the species; adaptable and hardy, very slow growing; excellent choice for small-scale form and texture in rock gardens or as a year-round garden detail element Ornamental Features Spruce, Little Gem is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its ornamental globe-shaped form. It has rich green evergreen foliage which emerges lime green in spring. The needles remain green throughout the winter. Landscape Attributes Spruce, Little Gem is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics. Spruce, Little Gem is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Spruce, Little Gem will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. Special Attributes Evergreens need to be watered during the winter. Our desert climate especially in late winter to early spring evergreens can suffer during next growing season. An easy way to remember check for dryness on the holidays Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Valentines Day & Easter.
