Picea pungens 'HOOPSII' Colorado spruce
size/type
medium-sized tree,medium-sized tree
usual height
3-10m
usual width
2-4m
leaves
evergreen conifer
colour of leaves
flowers
insignificant or non-blooming
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
3 (down to -40°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
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. Especially Hoopsii variety is something you come across very often in Czech gardens.This is a slow growing conifer with clear silvery-blue needles that are very prickly and cover the branches densely. It forms a neatly shaped tree with rich branching from the ground if planted as a specimen plant in full sun, making an almost regular pyramidal shape. Owing to slow growth it is a popular feature for medium-sized gardens. As it responds well to trimming it can be used in small gardens, too. Pruning and trimming can be carried out in early spring. Mature height of Hoopsii can reach 10m or more without pruning after many decades.
Spruce is widely soil adaptable provided the soil is well-drained. It likes neutral to slightly acidic soil and full sun. No fertilizing is necessary. Fully hardy to about -40°C (USDA zone 3).
Last update 26-10-2010
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