Bergman's Gem Oriental Spruce

Bergman's Gem Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis 'Bergman's Gem')

Bergman's Gem Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis 'Bergman's Gem') is a compact, slow-growing evergreen conifer prized for its rich green foliage and tidy, mounded form. This dwarf selection offers the elegant texture and dense needles of Oriental Spruce in a miniature package, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, foundation beds, or small-space landscapes that need reliable year-round structure.

Distinctive Features

'Bergman's Gem' forms a dense, rounded shrub with short, glossy dark green needles held tightly to the branches. Its naturally compact habit requires no pruning to maintain shape, and the foliage retains excellent color through winter. This cultivar�s fine texture and controlled size make it ideal for both formal and informal garden settings.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; tolerant of loam, sandy, or clay conditions
• Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred during establishment
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Dense texture and refined shape make it a standout in small garden beds
• Rock Gardens: Low height and slow growth complement stones and alpine plants
• Foundation Plantings: Provides evergreen structure with minimal maintenance
• Mixed Borders: Offers contrast and texture among perennials and deciduous shrubs
• Container Planting: Suitable for decorative pots in cool climates

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist until well-established; tolerates brief dry periods once mature
• Pruning: Not needed; naturally holds a symmetrical, compact form
• Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Retain soil moisture and suppress weeds with a mulch layer
• Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases in proper conditions

Why Choose Bergman's Gem Oriental Spruce?

• Compact Growth: Perfect for tight spaces, borders, and accent plantings
• Refined Texture: Short, glossy needles create a soft, clean look
• Cold Hardy: Performs reliably in northern climates
• Low Maintenance: No pruning or special care needed to maintain form
• Focal Point: A neat, evergreen gem for small gardens or elegant mixed beds

Picea orientalis 'Bergman's Gem' delivers compact evergreen beauty with year-round structure, making it an ideal solution for gardeners looking to add color, form, and texture to smaller landscapes or detail-driven planting schemes.