Ah, the Blue Spruce! Picea pungens to be exact, but who’s counting? This beauty is a classic for a reason. That naturally perfect pyramid shape, those stiff branches reaching out like a tiered cake, and of course, the needles – sharp, silvery-blue, just like the Colorado sky.
Now, this tree can get big, perfect for blocking the wind or nosy neighbors. But don’t worry, even if you don’t have an acre, you can still enjoy its charm. Look for ‘Fat Albert’ – a bit more compact, perfect for smaller gardens or even a pot on the patio. And come Christmas time?
Forget those store-bought trees! With a Blue Spruce, you’ve got a living holiday centerpiece right in your yard.
Watering Needs: Needs regular watering – weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
Botanical Pronunciation: Picea pungens (PY-see-a PUN-jenz)
Plant type: Conifer, Tree
Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen
USDA climate zones: 1 – 10
Growth habit: Pyramidal
Growth rate: 18″ per year
Average landscape size: Reaches 10-12 ft. tall in a few years; 40′ ft. tall x 12′ ft. wide at maturity.
Special features: Bird Friendly, Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, North American Native Selection, Tolerates Road Salt, Year-round Interest.
Foliage color: Dark Green to Blue
Blooms: Prized for foliage and small cute cones.
Design Ideas – This majestic evergreen practically touches the sky! Reaching heights twice its width, it’s the perfect choice for large properties needing a bit of privacy. Imagine it standing tall between multi-story buildings, creating a natural windbreak, or adding a touch of green to a snowy landscape. Its slender form even screens the view from those upstairs windows. If you have the space, this tree is a must-have!
Companion Plants Spirea; Butterfly Bush; Weigela; Blanket Flower, Gaillardia; Stonecrop, Sedum
Planting a Blue Spruce
Alright, planting a Blue Spruce. This is where the real fun begins! Now, these trees get big – think 40 feet tall, 10 feet wide, maybe even bigger. So, give it some room to stretch out. And remember, that classic pyramid shape? It needs space to shine.
When you’re digging that hole, go wide, two to three times wider than the pot, but keep the depth the same. Don’t bury that root flare! You want the top of the root ball level with the ground. Trust me, a happy root flare means a happy tree.
Before you plop it in, fill that hole with water. If it’s still sitting there after 12 hours, you’ve got drainage issues. Dig a bit deeper and toss in some gypsum to break up that hardpan.
Now, let’s get that Spruce comfy. Mix up some of my Watters Premium Mulch with the native soil, about one part mulch to two parts soil. Gently loosen those roots around the edges of the root ball, then set it in the hole. Fill it in with your soil mix, and don’t forget a good dose of my 7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food and some AquaBoost to help those roots settle in.
Staking is important, especially when they’re young. Use those V-straps to support the trunk, one just below the branches and another about 18 inches lower. And don’t forget to water it in well with Root & Grow. Keep that up every couple of weeks for the first few months, and you’ll have a happy, healthy Blue Spruce for years to come.
Soil and Sun
Now, these Blue Spruces are tough mountain trees. They’ll grow in just about any soil – even our Arizona clay. But, like any plant, they’ve got their preferences. Slightly acidic soil, that’s the sweet spot. Good drainage is key, though. No one likes soggy roots!
The great thing about these trees is they’re adaptable. Got a tough spot in your yard where nothing seems to grow? Give a Blue Spruce a try. It might just surprise you.
And don’t forget the sunshine! These trees love to bask in those rays. Six hours or more is ideal, especially during the growing season. That’s what gives them that vibrant blue color and those amazing growth spurts in spring. Plus, a little extra sun helps bring out those beautiful autumn hues.
Water newly planted trees regularly with a garden hose for at least one month (2 months in Summer). Automatic irrigation systems may not be sufficient initially. Water frequency will vary according to the season, exposure, and plant size.
April – Oct this Spruce should be irrigated 2 x weekly.
Nov – Mar this Spruce should be irrigated 2 x monthly.
Feed 4x times per year with either 7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food, Soil Sulfur, or Humic. Here’s the recommendation by season:
Spring= 7-4-4 All Purpose Food + Soil Sulfur
Summer= 7-4-4 All Purpose Food + Humic
September= 7-4-4 All Purpose Food
December= 7-4-4 All Purpose Food
Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners plant Spruce Trees for the holidays here at Watters Garden Center.
Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.
