Picea pungens glauca, commonly known as the Colorado Blue Spruce, is a striking evergreen tree admired for its silvery-blue needles and conical shape. This tree is particularly noted for its ornamental value, making it a popular choice in landscape design. The needles are stiff and sharply pointed, ranging in colour from powdery blue to silver-green, which provides a beautiful contrast against the landscape, especially during winter.

A mature Colorado Blue Spruce typically reaches a height of 15 to 23 meters with a spread of 4.5 to 7.5 meters. Its growth rate is relatively slow to moderate, allowing it to maintain its dense, pyramidal form over many years. The tree is well-suited for use as a specimen plant, windbreak, or a living Christmas tree due to its attractive form and foliage.

Picea pungens glauca thrives best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. However, it does not perform well in poorly drained or waterlogged conditions. This tree is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, though it can be susceptible to spruce aphid and needle cast if not properly maintained. Overall, the Colorado Blue Spruce is a resilient and visually captivating tree that adds year-round beauty to any landscape. 

Tree Specs

• Common Name: Colorado Blue Spruce
• Botanical Name: PICEA pungens glauca
• Mature Height: 15-23m
• Key Features: 
  
  • Year-round interest
  • Distinctive needles
  • Pyramidal form
  • Evergreen
  • Disease resistant