Engelmann Spruce

Picea engelmannii 'Hexenbensen Jasper' Pinaceae

Growth habit

Dwarf Shrub

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Location

Mullestein Winter Garden

Source of plant

Iseli Nursery

Description

Picea engelmanni Hexenbesen Jasper is a small, irregular-squatty selection of Engelmann spruce with rich, blue-green needles that are of a softer touch than those of the closely-related Picea pungens. Typical rate of growth in most areas is 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4 “ 6 cm) per year resulting in a 2 foot tall and wide (60 x 60 cm) specimen after 10 years in the landscape.This cultivar originated as a witch™s broom found in the late 1980s by G¼nther Horstmann, Schneverdingen, Germany. He found the original broom growing on a species tree in Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada and after successful propagation, introduced it to the nursery trade in 1992.It should be noted that in the U.S., this plant is most often seen sold as Picea engelmannii Jasper.™ In addition this cultivar should not be confused with Picea engelmannii Jasper Lake,™ which is an entirely different witch™s broom cultivar which was introduced.

USDA Hardiness Zone

3

Special characteristics

dwarf conifer, winter interest, foliage characteristics