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Growth Rate
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- Speed: Slow to moderate grower; typically grows about 12-24 inches per year.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 30-60 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide, forming a dense, pyramidal shape ideal for landscape design.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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No |
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Disease resistant
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No |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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No |
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Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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- Attracts: Birds are drawn to the tree for nesting and feeding on the seeds from the cones.
- Wildlife Resistant: Deer-resistant due to the sharp, stiff needles.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Foliage Season: Evergreen; provides year-round interest.
- Flowering Season: Spring (April to May).
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-7
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Ideal For
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- Specimen planting
- Windbreaks and privacy screens
- Large landscapes
- Cold climates
- Wildlife gardens
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Silvery-blue to blue-green needles.
- Form: Stiff, sharply pointed needles that are about 1 inch long and radiate around the branches, giving the tree a dense, full appearance.
- Winter Interest: The vibrant blue needles provide a striking contrast in winter landscapes.
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Flower Description
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- Color: Male cones are reddish and yellow, while female cones are green and purple.
- Form: Small, inconspicuous flowers that mature into large cones.
- Bloom Time: Spring (April to May).
- Cones: Cylindrical brown cones that can reach 2-4 inches long and hang from the branches.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5-7.0). Adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space trees 12-20 feet apart for specimen planting or 8-12 feet apart for a windbreak or privacy screen.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Method: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a healthy structure and shape. Avoid heavy pruning to preserve the tree's natural form.
- Topiary: While generally left to grow naturally, it can be pruned lightly for shaping in specific landscape settings.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells.
- Soil Moisture: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate brief periods of drought once established.
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Light Needs
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Thrives in full sun. For best growth and vibrant foliage color, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. |
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Fertilizing
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- Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost, particularly in poor soils. Acid-loving plant fertilizers are ideal for maintaining optimal soil conditions.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Picea pungens is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
- Pests and Diseases: Resistant to most pests, but may occasionally experience aphid or spider mite infestations. Ensuring proper spacing and watering helps prevent fungal diseases.
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Pollination
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- Pollination Type: Wind-pollinated. Male cones release pollen that fertilizes female cones, leading to seed production.
- Seed Production: Produces small cones that mature in fall and provide seeds that attract birds.
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Companion Plants
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- Rhododendrons
- Hydrangeas
- Hostas
- Ornamental Grasses
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