Picea rubens H B / Hexenbesen

Picea rubens ‘H.B.’ (Hexenbesen) is a rare dwarf selection of red spruce that originated as a witch’s broom mutation, a growth anomaly historically prized by conifer collectors. Unlike the tall forest form of the species native to eastern North America, this cultivar develops a compact, irregular habit with dense, fine-textured needles. Its restrained growth highlights the softer character of red spruce foliage in a garden-scale plant. It grows best in full sun with cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–6, it remains small over many years and is especially valued in specialty conifer collections.