Do you know if these are generally grafted, or from cuttings? Curious becuase I placed it in a spot that floods. Guess I should just get on my hands and knees and look for a graft union.

Bill

When was the pic taken? With the fresh bud burst, I'd guess May. Or is it a second flush, taken now?

Resin

Resin, a second flush, taken 8-5-08.

A general question for anybody: Why do certain conifers feel a need for a second flush in a normal growing season?

Dave

Dave, nice plant. Yours is so much more rounded then mine. I will post a picture tomorrow.

Most of these plants are rooted. They are more reliably compact (and attractive) than a grafted version that often grows several several inches or centimetres a year.

Darren

Maybe because it is growing in a warmer climate than it naturally occurs in? Though 8 May I'd have thought was a normal time for the first flush, not second, even well south of its native area.

Resin

Resin, August 5 2008.

Dave

I'd assume cuttings are taken in December as this is the best time generally speaking for winter cuttings (?).

I've forgotten what I used to know were a few three cultivars that root from cuttings, I remember though they were small conifers. Seems to me that Picea abies 'Witches' Brood' is one of them.

Dax

Dave,
I'm not sure it's really a Picea mariana "Nana".
It look more to Picea mariana "Pygmy" = "Pygmaea"
Picea mariana "Nana " have a faster growth.
look the following link :http://www.miniforest.com/pimanadwblsp.html

http://www.shootgardening.co.uk/sitePlant.php?plantid=1664

http://www.sunnygardens.com/garden_plants/picea/picea_2734.php

Clément

Hello Clément,

Thanks for your input.

There seems to be some indecision as to true growth habit associated with this conifer. I could never come to a final conclusion as to what constitutes what is correct. As I visited many resources on the web I came up with different values with none convincing me they were right in their determination. Some consider it a miniature and others a slow growing dwarf.

A new conifer this year with no real determination as to growth. New growth as I measure it ranges from 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches (1.90-3.81 cm). We will see what transpires next year. It will remain Picea m.'Nana' until I am convinced otherwise and I probably won't be because of all the confusion in and about the many cultivars in the trade now. I just consider my self lucky to have it.

Dave

Dave- The P. m. 'Nana' (Blue Nest Spruce) that I've seen around here grow 2-3 or more inches a year. It may be still too early to tell, but with the growth rate yours is showing, Clement may be on to something.

tj

Here is a link that might be useful: P.m. 'Nana'

Hi,Allan Bloom in his book 'Gardening with conifers' says that some of the faster growing nanas are in fact 'ericoides'.Hans

Picea mariana 'Ericoides' is very diferent to 'Nana' it grows ever so slightly prostrate with nearly all branches virtually horizontal, flat topped slightly spreading mound if you like.