Picea, Norway Spruce 'Bird's Nest'
Best low-maintenance evergreen for compact, deer-resistant landscape accents.
Discover the Picea, Norway Spruce 'Bird's Nest,' a captivating dwarf conifer renowned for its unique ornamental globe shape. This dense, broad spruce naturally develops a central depression, earning its charming name. It forms a neat, compact evergreen ball, perfect for adding texture to your landscape. The fine-textured foliage emerges a bright lime green in spring, maturing to a rich green for winter. This adaptable, hardy, and slow-growing specimen is ideal for mass plantings or as a striking focal point, offering enduring beauty for over 50 years.
$36.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
858
/ 2598
#858 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-6%
Below average
Mature Height
3
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking low-effort, sculptural focal points
- Urban dwellers with limited patio or foundation space
- Northern homeowners needing reliable, winter-hardy greenery
Who should skip it
- Gardeners unwilling to monitor for seasonal pest outbreaks
- Owners of properties with heavy, water-retaining clay soil
- Perfectionists desiring a permanently dense, uniform shape
Performance breakdown
Landscape Versatility
Compact form fits perfectly into small gardens or foundation plantings.
Maintenance Ease
Slow growth rate eliminates the need for frequent, tedious pruning.
Environmental Resilience
Handles urban pollution and road salt with impressive, hardy durability.
Pest Resistance
Naturally deters deer, keeping your landscape investment safe from browsing.
Visual Interest
Distinctive globe shape and seasonal color shifts provide year-round appeal.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of zones from chilly northern climates.
Key Specs
Mature Height
3 feet
Mature Spread
4 feet
Growth Rate
Slow
USDA Hardiness Zone
Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Soil Tolerance
Not particular as to soil type or pH
Watering Needs
Moderate
Evergreen
Features
- Unique ornamental globe shape
- Forms a neat, compact evergreen ball
- Foliage emerges lime green in spring
- Deer resistant and pollution tolerant
- Fine texture adds visual interest
- Adaptable and hardy growth
- Slow growth rate maintains size
- Tolerates environmental salt
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Picea Norway Spruce 'Bird's Nest' for its exceptional quality and unique aesthetic. Reviewers consistently highlight the dense, flat topped nesting habit, noting it creates an excellent focal point in various garden settings. Gertens is commended for supplying healthy, well rooted specimens that establish successfully. This dwarf cultivar is highly valued for its reliable, year round evergreen structure and low maintenance needs. Its slow growth rate is perfect for small spaces, requiring minimal pruning while maintaining vibrant green color. The consensus is that this spruce offers premium value due to its enduring architectural beauty and consistent performance.
Know before you buy
At maturity, this shrub typically reaches about 3 feet in height and spreads to 4 feet wide. Because it is a slow-growing variety, it will maintain this compact, mounding form for many years.
It is quite versatile and performs well in both full sun and partial shade. While it will grow in either condition, providing at least six hours of sunlight will help maintain the densest foliage.
Yes, the Norway Spruce 'Bird's Nest' is considered deer resistant. While no plant is completely deer-proof if food sources are scarce, this variety is generally avoided by deer in most landscapes.
You don't need to worry much about soil chemistry. This spruce is highly adaptable and is not particular about soil type or pH levels, making it an easy addition to most garden beds.
It requires moderate watering. During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist to help the roots establish, then transition to a regular watering schedule once the plant is settled.
Yes, this variety is tolerant of environmental salt. Its ability to withstand salt spray makes it a reliable choice for foundation plantings or borders located near treated walkways or roads.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$37