Bird's Nest Spruce
Picea abies 'Nidiformis'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Bird's Nest Spruce - #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
---|---|---|
$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Bird's Nest Spruce highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateSlow
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Fall Color
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer

Growing Zones 3-7
Fun Dwarf Bird's Nest Spruce Has Unique Shape
- Small, Dark Green Evergreen
- Memorable Shape
- Winter Interest
- Hardy and Wind Resistant
- Easy Care
- Pest and Disease Resistant
- Won’t Outgrow It’s Spot
- Maintenance Free
- Well Drained Soil and A Sunny Location Keeps It Happy
- Deer Leave it Alone
If you are searching for an outstanding low-maintenance, evergreen plant to use as a specimen in a sunny spot, take a good look at the cute Bird's Nest Spruce (Picea abies 'Nidiformis'). This dwarf evergreen stays low and makes a big visual impact on your landscape.
Use evergreens to add structure, texture, and year-round color to your landscape. Bird’s Nest Spruce truly shines in wintertime.
This adorable, extremely small variety of Norway Spruce stays petite. It features a very distinctive look, with feathery, nodding branches that downturn in a graceful way.
The nicely structured branches grow out first, and then up. You’ll be amazed at the way the plant grows taller on the outside than in the center. It is a great name, as it features a decorative appearance that really does look like the nest of a bird!
Dainty, feathery needles add to the appeal. The plant will hold these short, dark green needles year-round.
Bird’s Nest Spruce grows slowly and lives for a long time. It is a useful small evergreen that will not outgrow its place. Try tucking one as an amazing specimen plant in interesting little spots here and there in the landscape.
You'll appreciate the charm of this cute, easy-care evergreen. It asks for very little in return. Bird's Nest Spruce has no significant insect or disease issues and is extremely hardy—even resisting harsh winds. Like all Spruce, they will need a spot in full sun and well-drained soil for best results.
This rounded, miniature variety makes an outstanding choice for small yards. You’ll love it! Order yours from Nature Hills today.
How to Use Bird’s Nest Spruce in the Landscape
Birds Nest Spruce is a hardy, low specimen evergreen that is perfect for rock gardens, retaining walls, or a great little accent on a berm or courtyard area. There are many places that can use some winter interest.
Try this in a sunny corner of your house or as a great foundation plant under your front windows. It makes a formal presentation when planted on either side of your front entrance.
It looks great as an evergreen accent in a jazzy container on your patio, deck, or front porch. Add them near a grouping of large containers to give 4 season appeal.
They make a unique, low ground cover in those hot sunny locations. Once they are established, they are very drought tolerant.
Birds Nest can be used in mass plantings for large-scale residential landscapes. They are tough enough to handle the rigors of commercial applications.
They’ll make a whimsical addition to the yard. Why not include yard art of bird sculptures nearby? Go as high-end and sophisticated as you like, or splash out on cheap and cheerful outdoor bird decorations.
Consider decorating these cuties for every Holiday! It won’t cost much to set up a treasured collection of outdoor ornaments for these compact plants. Have fun with this appealing evergreen. After all, it’s a Spruce and will still look elegant no matter what you place nearby.
You could get lost in the intricate branch structure. Use one as a “chilled out” focal point in a Meditation Garden or try your hand at the ancient art of Bonsai.
Use at the top of a retaining wall, and underplant with weeping Juniper groundcover. Give them plenty of room to achieve their magnificent “bird’s nest.”
Bird’s Nest Spruce can also be used as a groundcover, or edging plant along a garden border. Plant them 3-4 feet apart on center. You’ll measure from the center of one to the center of the next.
Because it can take several years for the plants to reach size, please be patient. Or, buy the largest container size we have in stock. You’ll start with a more mature plant that has received expert care its whole life!
#ProPlantTips for Care
This is a no-fuss conifer that can be planted in just about any soil, as long as it drains well. If you see puddles that remain long after a rain, you’ll need to “mound up.” Add 18” of soil on top of your native soil and plant directly in that mound.
Please give Spruce Trees a full sun location. Young plants require careful attention to water as they work to establish their roots in your landscape.
Use the “Finger Test” to check. Poke your index finger into the dirt near your plant up to the 2nd knuckle. Is it getting dry? Give it a nice, long drink. Still moist? Skip watering that day.
After the first few seasons, you’ll be amazed at how drought-tolerant these beautiful dwarf globe shrubs become.
Pruning is not really even needed, but should any branches need to be shortened up—prune in spring before new growth begins.
Like many trees and shrubs, Bird's Nest Spruce appreciates a light application of mulch over the root system. Pull the mulch back several inches around the trunk to give air circulation.
Enjoy your Bird’s Nest Spruce. It can really become a cherished feature of your yard. You won’t have to fuss or muss with it, and it sure brings a whole lot of character.
Order yours today!