Picea abies 'Nidiformis'

Picea abies ‘Nidiformis‘ - Spruce 'Nidiformis'

General:
The european spruce (Picea abies) is widespread in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. Naturally, it would only grow where extreme conditions do not allow the European beech to dominate. For example, on peaty, sandy or alpine soils. It does not have to prevail against other tree species, but it also grows very well in other locations. That is why they are now often found in forests used for forestry. Here the spruce grows up to 50 meters high and develops a straight, continuous trunk with a conical crown. In extreme locations it naturally grows correspondingly weaker and is particularly shaped by the weather in the alpine area and sometimes shaped bizarre. The spruce is evergreen and has 1 - 2 cm short needles.

Care as a bonsai:
Impressive bonsai can be made from spruce. The foliage is very fine, the branches are very flexible and the plant is robust overall. A prerequisite, however, is a consistent trimming or pinching of the new drive and the desire and skill of wire. The plants like to be in partial shade, but can withstand full sun even with appropriate habituation. Spruces are frost hardy, but should not be in the winter sun.

Special features of the variety:
The spruce 'Nidiformis' is a dwarf form of the european spruce and is characterized by its slow, compact and nest-like growth. Compared to the species, it also has very short and dense needles. The internodes are also very short and the plant quickly develops very dense branching. This makes it very suitable for shohin-style bonsai. Spruces 'Nidiformis' are also very suitable for rock planting. Just a few plants are enough to create the impression of an alpine landscape.