Spruce 'Colorado Blue': Classic Pyramidal Blue Spruce for Accent and Screening

Spruce 'Colorado Blue' (Picea pungens 'Glauca')

The classic blue spruce, Picea pungens 'Glauca' is a very popular evergreen conifer with a handsome pyramidal form, rigid tiered branches, and stiff, gray-blue needles. Use as a landscape accent, tall screen, or windbreak. The intense blue color is most vivid in full sun and on new growth. Monrovia selection.

Iconic Blue Needles

The needles are the star: stiff, sharply pointed, and a striking silvery-blue (glauca). The color intensity varies by seed source and sun exposure. The form is a broad, dense pyramid 35–50 feet tall and 12–20 feet wide. Rigid, tiered branches give a formal, architectural presence. One of the most recognizable conifers.

Growing Requirements

• Light: Full sun to partial sun. Best color in full sun.
• Height: 35–50 feet.
• Spread: 12–20 feet.
• Soil: Well-drained. Adaptable to alkaline soils.
• Water: Moderate. Regular moisture; not drought-tolerant.

Landscape Applications

Classic specimen tree for large properties. Excellent tall screen or windbreak. The blue color provides year-round contrast. Use in conifer collections and winter gardens. Can be sheared for a formal hedge (though natural form is preferred).

Maintenance

Water regularly during establishment. Mulch to conserve moisture. No pruning needed for natural form. Watch for spruce spider mites, gall adelgids, and cytospora canker. Prefers cool climates.

Spruce 'Colorado Blue'—iconic silvery-blue pyramidal conifer for specimens, screens, and winter color.