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Picea pungens - Blue spruce

Picea pungens
Blue Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce, Colorado Spruce, Silver Spruce

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

A remarkable large conifer, native to the alpine and subalpine regions of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. It is prized for its silvery-blue needle foliage and beautiful pyramidal habit. This slow-growing, blue fir is highly resistant to cold and tolerates drought once established. However, it does not tolerate limestone.  
Height at maturity
15 m
Spread at maturity
8 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Description

The Blue Spruce, scientifically known as Picea pungens, sometimes nicknamed the Colorado Blue Spruce, is a first-class conifer. It is prized for its beauty and its hardiness. This tree is famous for its unique silvery-blue foliage that adds a fantastic splash of colour to the landscape all year round. Its majestic appearance and unusual hue set it apart from other conifers, making it a favourite for large gardens and parks.

Belonging to the Pinaceae family, the Blue Spruce is native to the Rocky Mountains in the United States and reaches a height of 9 to 21 m at maturity, with a spread of 8 m, depending on growing conditions and climate. Its growth is relatively slow. It has a well-defined pyramidal habit, with a sturdy trunk supporting horizontal branches densely covered in needles. These 2 to 3 cm long needles are stiff and prickly, ranging from blue-green to a striking silvery-blue, giving the tree great appeal. The cones, which appear in autumn, transition from pale purple to dark brown, adding further visual interest. The bark of this spruce is initially smooth and grey when young. With age, it becomes rougher and cracks into irregular scales, taking on darker shades of grey to brown. The bark plates may sometimes appear slightly flaky and detach easily, giving the tree an interesting textured appearance. The Blue Spruce is naturally adapted to alpine and subalpine environments, where it thrives in rocky, well-drained soil, often at high altitudes. It prefers full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soil, not overly dry in summer, neutral to slightly acidic. Its location should be carefully considered, as it dislikes being transplanted.

In the garden, Blue Spruce is typically used as a standalone specimen because of its grandeur. Its bluish hue pairs well with colours such as the golden yellow or vivid red of autumn foliage. It can be planted alongside a purple beech, a Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo), known for its extraordinary autumn colours, or even an Acer platanoides 'Drummondii', a Norway Maple distinguished by its stunning variegated leaves. Finally, planting the Blue Spruce in rows along pathways or at the edges of large landscaped gardens will highlight its beauty.

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Spruces, Picea: planting, pruning and care
Family sheet
by Eva 13 min.
Spruces, Picea: planting, pruning and care
Read article

Picea pungens - Blue spruce in pictures

Picea pungens - Blue spruce (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 15 m
Spread at maturity 8 m
Habit conical, pyramidal
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Fruit colour Brun

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour blue

Botanical data

Genus

Picea

Species

pungens

Family

Pinaceae

Other common names

Blue Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce, Colorado Spruce, Silver Spruce

Origin

Rocky Mountains

Product reference22114

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Planting and care

Plant Picea pungens from September to November and from February to May in a fairly fertile, well-drained, light soil, slightly acidic to neutral, even quite dry in summer. This alpine conifer dislikes scorching summers and is intolerant of limestone. A sandy, loamy, humus-bearing or slightly stony soil will suit it best. Choose a sunny spot sheltered from prevailing winds. In overly damp conditions, it becomes more susceptible to root rot. Select its location carefully, as this conifer does not transplant well. Soak the root balls thoroughly before planting. Add organic matter at planting time and water generously during the first few years, as well as during prolonged dry spells. Apply a specialist conifer fertiliser every April and hoe the soil in summer. Although extremely hardy, this conifer struggles in heavy, waterlogged soils during winter.

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Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Back of border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Pruning is unnecessary, except to remove dead branches. Never cut the leading shoot, as this could compromise the plant's structure.
Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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