All Species > Picea pungens

Colorado Blue Spruce

Bold foliage color and strong apical dominance; ideal for rugged styles but prone to coarse growth.

Seasonal Care Guide

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun
  • Notes: Full sun enhances blue coloration.
  • Winter: Protect from drying winds; foliage may discolor.
  • Summer: Tolerates heat but not drought; mulch in summer.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Evergreen
  • Form: Conifer

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Moderate
  • Notes: Allow slight drying between watering; avoid waterlogging.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Avoid high nitrogen; encourages coarse growth.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Wood is stiff; wire with care and in stages.
  • Pruning: Structural in spring, maintenance in summer
  • Notes: Thin regularly to allow light into interior.
  • Repotting: Every 2-4 years
  • Notes: Repot every 3 years to refresh soil and manage vigor.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Best propagated from seed or grafted onto vigorous rootstock.

Zone 8b Considerations

Watch for spider mites (Jul-Aug); Prevent rot in wet Nov-Jan