Colorado Blue Spruce

Picea pungens glauca

The Colorado Blue spruce is the tree for those who like shape, structure, easy care and unique blue colour tones. This ‘fashionista’ is sure to impress.

With low fragrance, it suits anyone who doesn’t want the scent. branch strength to hold as many or little decorations as you want and that’s right - a stunning ‘look at me’ colour.  

Ratings: 

Needle retention 4/5, colour stay 4/5, branch strength 5/5, leaf fragrance 1/5

Full Description:

Origin and Climate

The Colorado blue spruce is originates in the east of the Rocky Mountains. It usually grows in cool and humid climatic zones, although it can tolerate extreme cold as low as -40C (-40F) and severe droughts thanks to a layer of blue wax covering its needles.

It is very commonly planted in garden as a decorative tree, with many different cultivars having been developed across the world.

Growth

Height: Hardy, Slow. Mature size 15m high, 6m wide in 35 yrs 

Ideal Growth Conditions: Full sun, part shade. Best suited to cool humid climates, well-drained, sandy, loam, clay loam soils. Frost tolerant.

Attributes: Short and pointed needles, blue-green colour, blue intensity increases with age. Cylindrical cones, with wavy scales. Mild, citrus-like aroma.

Tending and care

Plant out into the garden or field or upsize pots in winter to minimise stress.

Uses: Ornamental for gardens, tree lines and windbreaks, fresh-cut Christmas trees, Timber.

Fresh-cut tree care: Treat your fresh-cut tree like you would fresh-cut flowers, when you first arrive home, recut the base of the tree and place it in clean water. Check the water level daily, ensuring the stem is fully submerged. Want to give your tree some extra TLC? Spritz with water daily to help keep it fresh for several weeks.

Watch the timelapse below to see how the Blue spruce grows in spring - the process known as ‘Bud burst’ Cool Huh?

This timelapse footage is the property of Spruced Christmas Trees. Please contact use for permission to reuse.