Picea pungens 'Baby Blue’

– Provides cover and nesting sites for birds

– Cones may attract squirrels or seed-eating birds in mature trees

– Not known for pollinator value

– Evergreen year-round

– Foliage color remains vibrant through all four seasons

– Adds strong winter interest and architectural form

– Specimen planting – small gardens – foundation planting – evergreen screen or windbreak – rock gardens – four-season color – xeriscaping in cold climates

– Evergreen, stiff, sharply pointed needles

– Brilliant silver-blue to icy blue needle color – more vibrant than many seed-grown blue spruce

– Dense branching with symmetrical form and uniform color retention year-round

– Inconspicuous; small pollen cones (male) and seed cones (female) in spring

– Not showy or ornamental

– Site selection: Choose a sunny, open location with good air movement

– Soil requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; tolerates sandy or clay soil if drainage is good

– Planting depth: Plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface

– Spacing: Allow 6–10 feet between trees to accommodate mature width if planting in groups

– Mulching: Use 2–3 inches of bark mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds (keep mulch away from trunk)

– Best planting time: Early spring or fall

– Minimal pruning required

– Best time: Late winter or early spring, before new growth starts

– Only prune to remove dead or damaged branches or to maintain a symmetrical shape

– Avoid cutting into old wood, as it will not regenerate new growth

– Needs regular watering during the first 1–2 years to establish a strong root system

– Once established, becomes moderately drought tolerant

– Avoid planting in low, wet sites – this species does not tolerate soggy soil

– Full sun is essential – requires 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily

– Shade will reduce density and diminish needle color

– Occasionally used as a cut or living Christmas tree due to its size and shape

– Otherwise, not harvested for any culinary or craft uses

– Not always required in nutrient-rich soil

– In poor soil, apply a slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring

– Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote weak, soft growth and reduce cold tolerance

– Monoecious – produces both male and female cones

– Wind-pollinated

– Pollination is not necessary for ornamental performance

– Juniperus horizontalis – for low groundcover contrast

– Rhododendron or Azalea – acid-loving shrubs that thrive under similar soil conditions

– Sedum or Heuchera – groundcovers with colorful foliage

– Hydrangea paniculata – large-flowering shrubs for sunny backgrounds

– Perovskia (Russian Sage) – drought-tolerant with fine-textured foliage and cool-colored blooms