Start growing
Moderate growth. Prefers full sun and slightly acidic soil. Cold hardy to Zone 2.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
Blue Spruce
Picea pungens
Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
Blue Spruce care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Picea pungens
- Common names
- Colorado Blue Spruce
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Genus
- Picea
- Species
- P. pungens
Growing with your kit
Seeds In A Cup® seeds are pre-chilled (stratified) to ensure high germination rates in your home classroom.
Propagation
By seed or grafting.
Seasonal growth & harvest
Produces pendulous cones; creates iconic winter interest with its blue hue.
Growing conditions
High altitude, cool temperatures, and moist well-drained soil.
Weather & tolerances
Highly wind and cold resistant; moderate drought tolerance.
Pests & plant health
Cytospora canker and spruce needle cast.
Plant safety
Safe; needles are sharp!
Botanical features
A majestic evergreen conifer with silver-blue needles and a sharp, symmetrical пирамида shape.
Varieties
‘Glauca Globosa’ (Dwarf), ‘Fat Albert’.
Garden & everyday uses
Premier ornamental and Christmas tree. state tree of Colorado and Utah
Native range & distribution
Native to the Rocky Mountains; grown globally as ornamental.
Conservation
Least concern.
Name origins
Latin ‘pungens’ meaning sharp-pointed, referring to the stiff needles.
History
Discovered in 1862 on Pike's Peak in Colorado.