Picea pungens aka Colorado Blue Spruce

Taxonomy

Picea pungens, also known as the blue spruce, green spruce, or Colorado spruce, is an evergreen coniferous tree native to North America. It is found naturally in states such as Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, but has been widely introduced as an ornamental tree in other areas as well. The Colorado Blue Spruce, a cultivar of Picea pungens, is the official tree of Colorado. Its silvery-blue needles have a strong, fresh, piney smell and are prickly to the touch. This plant's pyramidal shape, foliage color, and wonderful smell make it a classic choice for a Christmas tree. Blue Spruce is also a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. Fertilizers may not be necessary if the plant is repotted each time it doubles in size. Overall, Picea pungens is a beautiful and versatile tree that is beloved in many parts of the world.

Common names

Colorado Blue Spruce, Blue Spruce, Hickory Pine

How to care for Colorado Blue Spruce

Difficulty

Colorado Blue Spruce requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Colorado Blue Spruce should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Colorado Blue Spruce loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Colorado Blue Spruce requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Colorado Blue Spruce will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Colorado Blue Spruce to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Colorado Blue Spruce is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Colorado Blue Spruce’s native range is South-western N. America - Rocky Mountains.


More info:
Wikipedia