Digging deeperPlant Library

Procumbens Spruce

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  Blue Colorado Spruce;Colorado Blue Spruce

Description:

A ground-hugging trailing shrub with beautiful blue foliage; sometimes the branches cascade down, sometimes they remaining stiffly horizontal; can be draped over a rock wall or slope for a dramatic landscape effect

Ornamental Features

Procumbens Spruce is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its broadly spreading habit of growth. It has attractive silvery blue evergreen foliage. The needles are highly ornamental and remain silvery blue throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Procumbens Spruce is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. 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 shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Procumbens Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Procumbens Spruce will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in 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. This is a selection of a native North American species.