Picea pungens Karpaten

Picea pungens 'Karpaten' is a small spruce or blue fir that slowly forms a wide and dense dome, with a well-regulated bluish-grey colour. Its bluish-grey foliage is composed of short, slightly prickly needles. Its slow growth, natural elegance, and compact development make it perfect for a rock garden or the foreground of a large shrub bed. Like all Colorado blue spruces, this conifer prefers a well-drained, neutral to acidic soil that is not too dry.

Picea pungens 'Karpaten' is a horticultural selection by M. Verweij & Zn (Netherlands). The species, Picea pungens, is native to the west coast of the United States and the Rocky Mountains of North America, up to Canada. It is also known as the Colorado blue fir or blue spruce. It is a hardy evergreen conifer belonging to the pinaceae family. In its natural environment, it grows slowly, with an elegant and very regular conical habit, with horizontally layered branches. This tree can reach a height of 25 to 40 m and tolerates limestone soils and some drought.

The blue fir 'Karpaten' is a small, original conifer full of character, distinguished by its compact, flattened habit, resembling a large, wide cushion. Its growth is slow. After 10 to 15 years, it will reach a height of 90 cm with a spread of 2 m, sometimes a little more depending on the growing conditions. It produces short, thick branches that are tightly arranged horizontally in successive layers. They are covered with thick, rigid needles, densely and radially arranged around the branches. The young spring shoots are a beautiful silver colour, then the foliage takes on a powdery blue-grey hue with silver highlights. This variety tolerates drought quite well once well-rooted.

The blue spruce 'Karpaten', with its harmonious habit and compact growth, requires no maintenance and is perfect for large rock gardens, terraces, or as ground cover. It thrives in many situations and climates, as long as the soil is well-drained and not too chalky. This plant is ideal for marking an entrance or a pathway, or in a large pot on the terrace. It can also be paired with annuals in spring or summer, which will enhance its foliage. The architectural qualities of conifers naturally harmonise with the design of a contemporary garden. They pair well with heathers or ornamental grasses, which are highly complementary. The key is to play with volumes and colours.