The Dwarf Norway Spruce Tree Form, or Picea abies 'Little Gem', is a compact, globe-shaped conifer grafted onto a standard to create a charming, lollipop-style specimen. Dense tufts of tiny, rich green needles cover a tight, rounded crown that resembles a lush green pincushion. This slow-growing dwarf reaches just 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide at the canopy, sitting atop its standard for an overall tree-like appearance. It is an excellent choice for container plantings, small garden beds, entryways, and patio accents where a tidy, year-round evergreen form is desired.
Originally discovered in 1958 as a witch's broom on Picea abies 'Nidiformis', 'Little Gem' has become one of the most popular dwarf conifers in cultivation. Its restrained growth of just 1 to 3 inches per year and tough constitution make it reliable across a wide range of garden conditions. Hardy down to USDA Zone 3, this plant performs well in cold climates and maintains its neat, rounded shape with minimal effort. Its small footprint and striking form make it a standout focal point in any landscape design.
Dwarf Norway Spruce Tree Form Care
Plant your Dwarf Norway Spruce Tree Form in full sun, providing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the best color and density. It adapts to a range of well-drained soils and does not tolerate soggy or waterlogged conditions. Water regularly after planting until the plant is fully established, then reduce frequency, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy new growth.
This plant requires very little pruning thanks to its naturally neat, compact habit. If any wayward shoots appear, trim them back lightly in late spring after new growth has emerged. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as conifers do not readily regenerate from bare stems. Inspect the graft union on the standard periodically and remove any shoots that sprout from below it to maintain the tree form.
Dwarf Norway Spruce Tree Form Spacing
Plant Dwarf Norway Spruce Tree Forms at least 3 to 4 feet apart to allow air circulation and room for the canopy to develop fully. They work beautifully flanking entryways, placed in containers on a patio, or used as repeating accents along a path or border. Choose a sheltered location where strong winds will not stress the standard trunk or topple container plantings.
Dwarf Norway Spruce Tree Form Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Conifers |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 1 - 2 Feet (Canopy); Overall Height Varies By Standard |
| Mature Spread: 2 Feet |
| Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Habit: Globe, Upright (Tree Form) |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Evergreen |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Dense, Dark Green Needles |
| Seasonal Interest: 4 Season Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Cold, Heat |
| Attracts: Birds |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Specimen or Focal Point |
| Features: Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: Iseli Nursery |
| Common Name: Dwarf Norway Spruce Tree Form |
| Other Name(s): Little Gem Norway Spruce |
| Scientific Name: Picea abies 'Little Gem' |
- SKU:
- 1231029507-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations