Picea abies Fat Cat

Available early May

Photo of Picea abies 'Fat Cat' courtesy of Iseli Nursery
Dwarf Norway Spruce

Picea abies ‘Fat Cat’ is a dense, rounded form of the bird's-nest-type Norway Spruce.  It has very short, stiff needles and short shoots that give it the appearance of a rotund, green cat, curled up in a ball for a snooze.  Iseli Nursery acquired the plant, a witch’s broom from Picea abies ‘Graciosa’, in 1994 and officially named it for a tubby, slumbering feline.  'Fat Cat' is extremely hardy, reliable and slow-growing, and gives a diferent shape to the evergreen landscape. It grows 7-15 cm (3-6 in) per year.

  • Height: 91-122 cm ((36-48 in)
  • Spread: 91-122 cm (36-48 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 3
  • Sun or Shade: sun
  • Foliage Colour: green with white tips
  • Shape: globe shaped

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Plant 'Fat Cat' in average, well drained soil in full sun to light shade.  This is a fairly low maintenance conifer, requiring no pruning other than to remove any dieback.  If you wish to control the size trim back only the new growth.   It tends to fill out right to the ground so it does not require plants in front of it. 

Print