Echiniformis Hedgehog Spruce
Picea glauca 'Echiniformis'
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Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Cold hardy, Evergreen, Compact/Dwarf, Deer-resistant, Container Friendly, Native |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 3a to 7b |
| Sunlight | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Growth Habit | Bushy, Compact |
| Blooms In | Spring |
| Foliage Color | Blue green |
| Native | Yes |
| Suitable Space | Outdoors, Container |
| Plant Name | Spruce |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Cultivar | |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, HI, ID, MT, PR |
Description
Echiniformis Hedgehog Spruce (Picea glauca 'Echiniformis') is a true miniature spruce that grows as a flattened cushion of short stiff blue-green needles radiating in every direction, reaching roughly 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide after many years in zones 3 through 7.
This is the slowest spruce in the trade, adding about an inch a year. That pace is the reason to buy it. A plant this small stays in scale with a trough or a crevice for decades, where even a Dwarf Alberta Spruce would need replacing, and its congested growth builds a surface so tight that the plant reads as a solid object.
Plant it in a rock garden, a trough, a raised crevice bed, or a small container that overwinters outdoors. Keep taller neighbors far enough away that they do not shade it, because shaded growth opens up and loses the cushion shape.
- Light: full sun to partial sun
- Water: steady moisture, it has a shallow root system
- Soil: sharply drained, gritty and slightly acidic
- Care: no pruning, brush debris off the crown in fall to prevent rot
Add Echiniformis Hedgehog Spruce to your cart.
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 3-5 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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ChatGPT actually suggested this particular type of tree for the two barrels I have at the entrance to my parking area… These folks had them and they shipped them in good shape and they’re looking great and they even suggested a good fertilizer which we added. All good! I was really nervous about buying plants on the Internet so I ask ChatGPT which places had the best consumer reviews and two places came up, one of which was this one. Good experience all the way around.
Dwarf Alberta Spruce really is a classic choice for container plantings at an entrance, slow and tidy growth habit makes them easy to keep looking sharp in barrels for years. Glad the trees arrived in good shape and that the fertilizer recommendation proved useful. We know ordering plants online for the first time takes a leap of faith, and we appreciate you giving us a shot. Enjoy those spruces!
This tree has been carefully planted, fertilized and water, but it is dead!!! DO NOT BUY if you live in Texas!!
Came in excellent condition. So far all is well.
Dwarf Alberta Spruce are tough little trees once they settle in, and getting one in excellent condition is the best start you can give it. Thanks for sharing the update, Paul. Keep an eye on moisture levels through the first season and it should establish well for you.
Came very quickly after my order and was fresh well packaged. Nice looking tree.
Fast shipping and a well-packed tree is exactly how it should arrive. Dwarf Alberta Spruces are tough little trees that tend to settle in well once planted, and with good drainage they'll hold that classic dense, conical shape for years. Thanks for the feedback, Edward.
My small spruce tree has gone through a lot of tough, hot, and windy weather and it looks great all the time It is nice and dense and looks like a miniature Christmas tree all the time. The bright green against a snow field is very attractive.
Hi Jo,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your Dwarf Alberta Spruce! It’s fantastic to hear that your little evergreen has stood strong through challenging weather and maintained such a beautiful, dense shape. The image of its bright green holding firm against a snowy backdrop sounds truly stunning — just like a natural holiday decoration year-round!
To keep your spruce thriving through the seasons, remember to check soil moisture regularly, especially in hot or dry spells, as Dwarf Alberta Spruce prefers consistent moisture without being waterlogged. If you’re nurturing it in a windy area, occasional windbreaks or protecting young growth can provide extra support. You might also enjoy feeding it with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to boost healthy growth and coloration.
Feel free to reach out if you want tips on pruning techniques or ideas to complement your spruce in the garden. We’re always happy to help your plant collection flourish!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
My small spruce tree has gone through a lot of tough, hot, and windy weather and it looks great all the time It is nice and dense and looks like a miniature Christmas tree all the time. The bright green against a snow field is very attractive.
Hi Jo,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Dwarf Alberta Spruce! We’re thrilled to hear that your little tree has stood strong against tough weather while remaining dense and vibrant – it truly sounds like a festive joy all year round. The contrast of those bright green needles against the snowfield must be absolutely stunning!
To help keep your spruce looking its best through all seasons, consider occasionally mulching around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperature swings. Also, gentle pruning can promote healthy growth if you want to maintain that classic Christmas tree shape. If you have any questions or want tips on seasonal care, we’re always happy to assist.
Thanks again for your thoughtful review—your success with your plant inspires us!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
I planted several of these dwarf Alberta spruce along the 2 front corners of my house. They get plenty of sun and they seem to make my house look wider as they soften the corners with their light green foliage. Neat trees!
Hello Pro,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your dwarf Alberta spruces! It’s fantastic to hear how they’ve beautifully enhanced the front corners of your house, adding that soft, light green touch that makes your home feel more inviting. These lovely evergreens truly are charming and versatile, especially when planted to frame architectural features.
If you ever want to keep your spruces looking their best, just remember to water them regularly during dry spells and consider a well-balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth. And keep an eye out for any less vigorous needles—this is normal but can benefit from a gentle pruning to maintain their neat shape.
Thanks again for your thoughtful feedback by planting with Nature Hills!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
I planted several of these dwarf Alberta spruce along the 2 front corners of my house. They get plenty of sun and they seem to make my house look wider as they soften the corners with their light green foliage. Neat trees!
Dear Pro,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your dwarf Alberta spruce! We’re thrilled to hear that they’re not only thriving in their sunny spot but also enhancing the look of your home by softening those corners with their lovely light green foliage. It sounds like a perfectly thoughtful placement!
If you’d ever like tips on seasonal care—like mulching in winter or watching for any pests to keep your trees healthy—please don’t hesitate to reach out. These neat little trees are truly a charming choice, and we’re so glad they’re bringing extra beauty to your home.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
My dwarf Alberta spruce arrived looking like a miniature Christmas tree and it has never changed, just a little bigger now. I like the bright green color also.
Hi Donny,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your dwarf Alberta spruce! We’re thrilled to hear that it still resembles that charming miniature Christmas tree look — and that bright green color really makes it a delightful addition to your space. These evergreens are such a versatile and easy-to-care-for plants, and it sounds like yours is thriving just as hoped.
If you ever want to encourage slightly fuller growth, consider rotating its placement every so often to give all sides even sunlight, and make sure it's planted in well-draining soil to keep it happy. Feel free to check out our online care guides for more tips—that way, your spruce can stay vibrant season after season!
Thanks again for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review, Donny. Your green thumb is clearly making the magic happen!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
My dwarf Alberta spruce arrived looking like a miniature Christmas tree and it has never changed, just a little bigger now. I like the bright green color also.
Hello Donny,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your dwarf Alberta spruce! We’re delighted to hear it has thrived for you and maintained that charming “miniature Christmas tree” form you love. Its bright green color is truly one of the standout features of this little evergreen.
If you ever want to help it grow a bit fuller or encourage new growth, remember that dwarf spruces prefer well-drained soil and a spot with plenty of sunlight. Occasional gentle pruning can also help maintain its shape while promoting healthy branches.
We’re thrilled that this plant has brought a touch of year-round cheer to your space—thank you for trusting us to be part of your gardening journey!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
This is a great plant to grow takes a long time to grow so you can even grow it in your house. I think you should get a couple to plant around your house.
Hello Dark B.,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on the Dwarf Alberta Spruce! We’re delighted to hear you’re enjoying this slow-growing beauty—it truly makes a calm and lovely addition indoors or around your home. You’re absolutely right that growing a couple around the house can create a charming natural ambiance.
If you’re planting several outdoors, just keep in mind they thrive best in well-drained soil with morning sun and some afternoon shade for optimal growth. Regular watering and occasional feeding will also keep them flourishing happily. Feel free to reach out if you’d like tips tailored to your climate or care schedule!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
This is a great plant to grow takes a long time to grow so you can even grow it in your house. I think you should get a couple to plant around your house.
Hello DarkBrony666,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Dwarf Alberta Spruce! We're thrilled to hear it's a great plant that fits well indoors and appreciate your suggestion to plant a few around the house — they indeed make lovely, charming additions to any space. Since the Dwarf Alberta Spruce grows slowly, it’s perfect for indoor growing with the right care. Just be sure to provide it with bright, indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to keep it thriving.
If you ever want more tips or ideas for arranging your greenery, feel free to reach out. We’re always here to help your indoor forest flourish!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
i just want to thank you for the high quality dwarf Alberta Spruce received today. It is so green and well packed. Will order the 'Mops' evergreen companion. I'm zone 6 , so will be planting it on the east side of my property. The view from my kitchen window will be fantastic! Thanks again.
Hi Viveca,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your Dwarf Alberta Spruce arrived healthy and beautifully packed—that fresh green color is the best reward after shipping. Planting your ‘Mops’ evergreen on the east side sounds like a fantastic choice since it will enjoy morning sun while being protected from harsh afternoon rays in zone 6. Your kitchen window view is sure to be stunning!
If you’d like tips for planting and caring for your new spruce companions, feel free to check out our care guides online or reach out anytime. Every little detail counts in helping these evergreens thrive happily in your garden.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
i just want to thank you for the high quality dwarf Alberta Spruce received today. It is so green and well packed. Will order the 'Mops' evergreen companion. I'm zone 6 , so will be planting it on the east side of my property. The view from my kitchen window will be fantastic! Thanks again.
Dear Viveca,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your Dwarf Alberta Spruce arrived healthy, lush, and well packed. Your appreciation means a lot to us, and knowing it will grace your view from the kitchen window makes us even happier to have been part of your garden journey.
Planning to add the ‘Mops’ evergreen as a companion is a fantastic choice! Both of these evergreens thrive well in USDA Zone 6 and should do wonderfully on the east side of your property, especially benefit from the morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon heat. Do consider watering regularly during establishment, and a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and protect the roots during colder months.
If you want tips on the best planting techniques or care to help your new green friends settle in comfortably, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to assist!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
