1 / 4

Key characteristics

Family: Pinaceae
Height: Typically grows up to 4 feet
Width: Spreads 4 to 5 feet
Flower color: Not applicable; it is a conifer
Foliage color: Dark green needles that emerge light green in spring
Bloom time: Not applicable
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; pruning is generally unnecessary except to remove dead growth
Growing zone: USDA Zones 3 to 7
Wildlife: Provides shelter and attracts birds

Shrubs

Picea abies 'Pumila'

Dwarf Norway Spruce

Picea abies 'Pumila' is an evergreen conifer celebrated for its compact, rounded form and vibrant foliage. The plant showcases dense, dark green needles that remain year-round, making it a superb choice for adding consistent color to gardens. Its growth habit features lower branches that spread outward and upper branches that point upwards, creating a unique mounded or nest-like appearance. In the spring, its bright orange buds add a subtle decorative element to its already appealing structure.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Not applicable

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Containers
Rock Gardens
Bird Gardens

Companion plants

Hebe · Flowering quince · Crocus · Matilija poppy · Mallow · Sweet William

Design tip

Use ‘Pumila’ as a low evergreen anchor where its rounded, nest-like form can provide structure throughout the year. The outward-spreading lower branches and upward-facing upper growth create a naturally sculptural silhouette that remains visually interesting even during the quietest seasons.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)