Picea pungens

RHS Plant Profile
Colorado spruce

Other common names

blue spruce, Rocky Mountain spruce

Conifers Trees

A conical to columnar evergreen tree to about 15m with scaly, grey bark and orange-brown shoots. Needles are stiff, pointed, bluish grey-green, curving upwards and covered in wax. Cylindrical cones are green at first, ripening to pale brown, and up to 12cm long

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pinaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Picea are evergreen trees with rigid, needle-like leaves arranged singly all round the shoots, and narrow, leathery-scaled cones borne near the ends of the shoots
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil. See conifer cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids, aphids and conifer red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus