Picea engelmannii 'Lobo' #56, is a perfectly symmetrical miniature selection of Engelmann spruce that spends many years in tight, globose form before developing some apical dominance, becoming a delightful tiny cone of short tight branches and fluffy Blue needles. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 16 inches (40 cm) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of 1 inch (2.5 cm), or slightly more.
This cultivar originated as a witch'™s broom found in the 1990s by Colorado'™s preeminent broom hunter, Jerry Morris. According to his notes, Jerry found the original broom up a 4-mile road along the route past the Limber Grove hiking area in Park County, Colorado, describing it as, 'œ18 inches around and 10 feet up, an average witch'™s broom.' Apparently, this broom was a virtual twin of 'Hobo' #57. He first designated it as [#56], meaning that this was Jerry'™s 56th named Engelmann spruce selection. Nomenclature purists will list this conifer as, Picea engelmannii 'Lobo'™ #56.
