Digging deeperPlant Library

Upright Colorado Spruce

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  Blue Colorado Spruce;Colorado Blue Spruce

Description:

An unmistakable tree for sure, featuring bright blue needles on a narrowly upright and columnar form, branches forking upwards at a sharp angle; best used as an accent, for adding dynamic interest to the skyline or for smaller home landscapes

Ornamental Features

Upright Colorado Spruce is primarily valued in the landscape for its rigidly columnar form. It has attractive bluish-green evergreen foliage which emerges blue in spring. The needles are highly ornamental and remain bluish-green throughout the winter. The rough gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Upright Colorado Spruce is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Upright Colorado Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Vertical Accent
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Upright Colorado Spruce will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.