Blue spruce (Picea pungens) is a conifer that can grow higher than 15m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Blue spruce (Picea pungens).
This plant has several common names including: blue spruce, Colorado spruce or Rocky Mountain spruce.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: blue spruce, Colorado spruce, Rocky Mountain spruce
Scientific name: Picea pungens
Plant type: Conifers, Trees
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Architectural
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Blue spruce (Picea pungens) – USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman, D.E. et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU Extension and Western Area Power Admin., Bismarck, ND., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Blue spruce (Picea pungens), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Blue spruce (Picea pungens) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Picea pungens likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Blue spruce (Picea pungens) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Blue spruce (Picea pungens) – USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman, D.E. et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU Extension and Western Area Power Admin., Bismarck, ND., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
