Why Plant Birdsnest Spruce?
A quirky shape and evergreen needles give this beloved accent eye-appeal even during the bleakest winter days. Birdsnest Spruce really is shaped like a bird’s nest—low and spreading, complete with a dip in the middle. You may expect a hawk or an eagle to come flapping in for a landing at any moment! Its rich emerald-green foliage will please you all year, and in late spring the new growth, like little pastel pom poms, will make you smile.
Birdsnest Spruce is a mini mutant form of the Norway Spruce Tree, a towering conifer that has been a source of winter greenery in northern Europe for ages. Norway Spruce is a staple in the U.S. as well because it is so easy to grow in much of the country. This shrubby, horizontal selection appeared by chance in a German nursery way back in 1903. Sometimes small, congested growths called “witch’s brooms” appear on conifers, which can be used to produce novel forms. That’s what happened in this case, and the unique Accent has been cherished ever since.
How to use Birdsnest Spruce in the landscape?
Use Birdsnest Spruce in wide foundation beds, or plant it in front of a grove of trees to provide contrast to the vertical trunks.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 3-7
How To Plant Birdsnest Spruce
Birdsnest Spruce is a cinch to grow in many areas of the country, although it does prefer cooler summers. Frigid temperatures are no problem—it can handle winter lows to at least -40ºF. Plant this rugged Accent in full sun or very light shade. A moist, well-drained situation is ideal, but the soil doesn’t have to be great. The important thing is that it doesn’t stay soggy. Give Birdsnest Spruce plenty of room to grow. It looks cute and petite at first, but it will spread out considerably after many years. Use annuals or other short-term plants around it while it fills in.
How To Water
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water slowly and thoroughly. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established as it gives your tree the nutrients it needs to produce lush new growth for the following spring.
How To Prune
Leave the pruners in the shed! Birdsnest Spruce is a low-maintenance Accent that needs no trimming. It grows at a slow but steady pace, naturally assuming a dense, tidy shape.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
