General Description | Picea abies 'Little Gem' is a small, round, dense evergreen shrub with new growth lighter in colour. |
ID Characteristic | Low-growing, similar to P. abies 'Nidiformis'. Luminescent appearance due to the contrast in colour between new and old growth. |
Shape | Tightly rounded to globose. |
Landscape | Can be used as a specimen, foundation, container or trough plant. |
Propagation | By grafting scions onto P. pungens rootstock. Most plants for sale are 1 - 4 years old. |
Cultivation | Grow in moist, free-draining, acidic soil, in sun to partial shade. Shelter from cold, drying winds, especially critical in winter months. Plants in troughs or containers may need additional winter protection. |
Pests | Generally problem free. |
Notable Specimens | Memorial University Botanic Garden, St. John, Newfoundland. |
Habitat | Horticultural origin. |
Bark/Stem Description | Smooth, light-coloured bark, hidden by dense foliage. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Light brown, oval with a scale-like texture, 5 - 10 mm long. |
Leaf Description | Needle-like, very stiff, 1 - 2 cm long, green with newer foliage yellow-green. |
Flower Description | Non-flowering. |