Picea abies 'Formánek' / Formánek Norway spruce

Picea abies 'Formánek' is a prostrate selection of Norway spruce that is quite dwarf and develops into a broad mound. After 10 years, the mound might be 3 feet (1 m) across and less than 6 inches (15 cm) high. The height can be easily increased by staking. Another distinguishing trait of this plant is that the tops of the branches are bare of needles, giving the plant a bare-shouldered appearance.

This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in the early 1900s by V. Formánek, at Průhonice, Czech Republic. In 1970, Wansdyke Nursery of Devizes, United Kingdom introduced it into western Europe and later into the U.S. and beyond.

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Picea abies 'Formánek' — a mature specimen in a private garden in Kansas, October 2006.
Photo by David Stegmaier
Picea abies 'Formánek' — a young plant in a garden setting.
Picea abies 'Formánek' —a 10 year-old plant a private garden in Brunswick, Maine, 2013.
Photo by Sean Callahan
Picea abies 'Formánek' —a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger
Picea abies 'Formánek' —a mature plant in an arboretum setting.
Photo by Bill Barger

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