Sale Sold out

Épinette de Norvège naine Mikulášovice ‘Mikulášovice’ (Picea abies)

Dwarf, broadly upright evergreen conifer Pinaceae

Épinette naine aux longues aiguilles et rameaux colorés

Dwarf Norway Spruce Mikulášovice

Norway spruce

Mikulášovice is a very distinctive dwarf Norway spruce. Long, grass-green needles surround short, irregular, orange-brown shoots. The plant grows dense, broadly upright, and almost pyramidal rather than perfectly round. Iseli Nursery indicates a growth rate of 5 to 10 cm per year and a garden size of approximately 60 cm high by 90 cm wide. Hardy to zone 3, it prefers full sun, cool soil, and good drainage. Its architectural character is suitable for rock gardens, alpine gardens, borders, and large containers where its texture can be closely observed.

Exposure: Sun
Hardiness: Zone 3

Common nameDwarf Norway Spruce Mikulášovice

FamilyPinaceae

GenusSpruce

Speciesabies

CultivarMikulášovice

TypeDwarf, broadly upright evergreen conifer

Botanical nameNorway spruce

Dwarf Norway Spruce ‘Mikulášovice’ (Picea abies ‘Mikulášovice’) is a unique conifer that combines long, grass-green needles with short, irregular, orange-brown branches. This unusual architecture forms a very dense, characterful mass that becomes broadly upright and almost pyramidal. Iseli Nursery indicates a dwarf growth rate of 5 to 10 cm per year and a garden size of approximately 60 cm high by 90 cm wide. Hardy in zone 3, Mikulášovice remains small enough for a rock garden, border, alpine garden, or container, while offering a more expressive silhouette than a simple round cushion.

Plant Mikulášovice in full sun in cool, fertile, well-drained soil. Light partial shade may be suitable, but abundant light promotes density and a pyramidal shape. Dig a wide hole without burying the root flare, water deeply, then apply 5 to 8 cm of mulch, keeping the trunk and branches clear. Maintain regular moisture for the first two seasons. Avoid standing water, de-icing salt, compaction, and surfaces that reflect intense heat. In a container, choose a structured mix and monitor moisture more closely during hot and windy periods.

Mikulášovice naturally develops its irregular habit and does not require formative pruning. Only remove dead, broken, or rubbing wood in early spring. The orange-brown branches visible between the long needles are part of its normal character. Avoid shearing, which would erase this architecture and could leave bare areas. Watch out for spider mites, aphids, adelgids, scale insects, cankers, and needle diseases, especially when the plant is experiencing drought or poor drainage. Allow approximately 90 cm in width and place it near a viewing point. Its unusual texture particularly stands out against light stones or fine, contrasting foliage.

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density Allow for approximately 0.9 m (3 ft) in width

Best planting time Spring or early autumn, in workable soil

Propagation Grafting or cuttings to preserve the cultivar

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Minimum temperature

Around -40 °C (-40 °F)

Watering

Moderate

Soil type

Well drained

Fertilization

Mikulášovice requires little fertilization in adequate soil. In spring, spread a thin layer of mature compost under the mulch, without touching the trunk or low branches. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer only if a soil analysis or confirmed symptoms indicate a deficiency. Avoid high-nitrogen doses, which produce long shoots and unbalance the mound. First check planting depth, watering, drainage, and light when growth seems weak.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

1 m (3.3 ft)

Width / spread

1.2 m (3.9 ft)

Flower color

Yellowish to reddish, discrete

Foliage color

Grass green; orange-brown shoots visible

Foliage type

Persistent

Growth rate

Dwarf, about 5 to 10 cm per year

Growth habit

Large, irregular, and compact pyramid

Bloom period

Spring, discreet

Fruiting

Small, pale brown cones may appear occasionally when the plant reaches sufficient maturity. They develop after the wind-pollinated spring reproductive structures. On this dwarf cultivar, fruiting remains secondary and often not very visible among the dense branches. The quantity varies depending on age, light, vigor, and seasonal conditions. The main ornamental interest remains the persistent grass-green mound.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

The dense, persistent foliage provides a small shelter as well as perches for birds. Occasional cones may provide some seeds for small wildlife when the plant is mature enough. Its habitat value increases when Mikulášovice is integrated into a diverse bed including other conifers, shrubs, and perennials. Avoid unnecessary pesticides to protect beneficial insects.