Maxwell Spruce Picea abies 'Maxwellii'

The ‘Maxwelli’ spruce is a dwarf, needled evergreen shrub in the Pinaceae (pine) family. This cultivar of the Norway spruce originated as a seedling selected by the T.C. Maxwell Brothers Nursery in Geneva, New York, around 1860.

‘Maxwelli’  has a shallow root system, and it prefers full sun or partial shade and moderately moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Established plants have some tolerance to drought and air pollution. Norway spruce varieties dislike heat, wet feet, and hot, dry summers. This shrub prefers cool summer climates and does better in the North Carolina mountains than in the coastal region. It grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet and spreads to a width of 8 to 10 feet. Allow 12 to 24 feet between plants.

This spruce’s form or habit is a low-growing, flat-topped irregular globe outlined with short stout branches. Its mature width is substantially wider than its height. The ‘Maxwelli’ spruce tends to produce an abundance of short, thick shoots with unusually thick blue-green needles and dense clusters of buds. It develops large pendulous cones that are purple-violet to green when young and light brown when they mature.

Plant this versatile shrub in a lawn, landscape, or patio area. It also works well along walkways and in woodland areas. Use it as a border, foundation planting, hedge, or individual specimen. ‘Maxwelli’ is also an attractive addition to rock and winter gardens.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Potential insect pests for the Norway spruce and its cultivars include aphids, bagworms, budworms, borers, and red spider mites. They are susceptible to cytospora canker, wood decay, needle cast, and rust.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Picea abies.