Picea abies 'MalÃÄek' is a miniature globose to flattened-globose selection of Norway spruce that grows with very tiny, upright-turned twigs. It is one of the smallest known spruces with a needle length of only 0.2 inch (0.5 cm). At the age of 12, plants are about 4 inches (10 cm) high and 3 inches (7 cm) wide, an annual growth rate of 0.6 to 1 inch (1.5 - 2.5 cm). 'MalÃÄek' is a great looking little dwarf conifer with an unusual needle shape. In full sun it's at risk of suffering from sunburn. It's at its best when cultivated in partial shade or morning sun.
This conifer is often confused with the very similar Czech witch'™s broom selection, P. abies 'MaleÄek.'™ The branching on 'MalÃÄek'™ is held a little more upright, in addition to being slightly faster growing. The branching on 'MaleÄek'™ tends to be a little more layered. See below for a side-by-side comparison, courtesy of Czech conifer master, FrantiŠ¡ek Borovec.
