Picea pungens Colorado spruce

Although Colorado spruce originates in the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the USA, it has been in wide cultivation in Europe and its colder regions. It is used more and more as a replacement of Norway spruce which does not take air pollution and suffers from falling if its undergrowth has been cut down.

Colorado spruce is popular for its strong and dense growth in broadly conical habit. It forms almost horizontal layers of branches (tiered effect). Its short, prickly needles have various colour shades – from pale green, blue-green, or silvery blue. It always looks elegant and symmetrical on insolated locations. Young plants grow fast (30-40 cm per year) and slow down with age. It can be pruned or shaped in any way, best in late winter or any time from spring to midsummer.

Spruce is widely soil adaptable provided the soil is well-drained. It likes moist sites and even though it takes temporary drought once established it is not suited for constantly dry sites. No fertilizing is necessary. Fully hardy to about -40°C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 02-09-2013