Picea mariana Nana - Black Spruce

Picea mariana 'Nana' is a dwarf variety of black spruce, with very slow growth, initially with a globular habit and then spreading into a dome shape. Its slightly unkempt branches resemble dense little bottle brushes. Its compact and bushy silhouette is accompanied by short needles of a beautiful bluish-green shade. It is interesting in small gardens and rockeries, due to its unique habit and the unusual texture of its foliage. It is a small conifer that is not demanding in cool climates, preferring well-drained, cool, neutral to acidic soils, and a sunny exposure.

Picea mariana, also known as black spruce or black spruce, is an evergreen conifer belonging to the Pinaceae family, native to the northeastern United States, Canada, and dominating the forests of Alaska. In its natural environment, the taiga, which is often very harsh, it grows slowly, presenting a fairly variable habit depending on its habitat, but usually pyramidal and bushy, with a broad base. In difficult areas, it will be bushy and compact, while in favourable conditions it will form a slender tree. This tree can reach a height of 20m (66ft). This conifer is the symbol of the boreal forest of America, growing up to the edge of the tundra.

The 'Nana' variety, derived from this species, is a dwarf and particularly compact form, which forms a rounded cushion and then spreads out a bit over time. Its growth is slow, around 1.5cm (1in) per year. In the end, it will measure approximately 45 to 60cm (18 to 24in) in height and 60 to 70cm (24 to 28in) in width. It produces thin and very tight branches, arranged in regular spirals. They are covered with short, narrow, pointed needles, arranged in dense brushes, and aromatic (resin smell). They are covered with a white wax. Its foliage displays a shade throughout the year that is intermediate between green, grey, and blue.

The 'Nana' black spruce, with its characteristic unkempt appearance, its very compact growth, low maintenance, and ease of cultivation, is a perfect plant for rockeries and terraces. It thrives in many situations and adapts to any cool climate, as long as the soil is well-drained and free of limestone. A grey or mauve mulch installed at its base will highlight its delicate shade. This small globular plant goes well with large stones, geometric lines, and masonry works. It can be associated with dwarf conifers with a prostrate (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'), columnar, or pyramidal habit. The true graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the dance of flowers. These plants with their reassuring permanence structurally and durably shape a bed, mark the paths, border the terrace, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. They go well with heathers or ground-covering plants such as aubrietas, Cerastiums, shrubby salvias, as well as flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.