Picea abies 'Brno' / Brno Norway spruce

Picea abies 'Brno' is a special miniature selection of Norway spruce. The plant's structure is that of a dense miniature globe with a flattened top. Annual growth is less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) per year and, with luck, a specimen may achieve the size of a soccer ball after 25 years of growth. Foliage is light green with short needles, and the winter buds are prominently displayed, producing a very attractive little conifer for every season of the year.

This cultivar originated as a witch's broom found in 1980 on a specimen of Picea abies 'Nidiformis' by Karel Kalous of Czech Republic at the Brno Botanic Garden and later introduced to the nursery trade through his own nursery in Poplz, Czech Republic. At times, this cultivar is also seen listed as 'Nidiformis Kalous' and 'Nana Kalous.' Such cultivar names are considered illegitimate because Latinized naming was made illegal after 1959.

'Brno' is best suited for rock garden planting. Please note that like many miniature Picea abies cultivars, this conifer performs best when not exposed to hot, direct sun in mid summer.

Attribution from: Robert L. Fincham; Small Conifers for Small Gardens; ©2011 Coenosium Press