![aqua-green foliage with orange branches](https://perenual.com/storage/species_image/6056_picea_pungens_thume/og/Picea_pungens_28dwarf_Colorado_blue_spruce29_4_282555272850829.jpg)
Colorado spruce
Picea pungens 'Thume'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 7
Flowers:
Non-flowering Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Cones:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
Colorado Spruce should be watered when the top 2-3 inches of soil have dried out. It is recommended to water the plant deeply, at least once a week, to ensure that the root system gets the hydration it needs. During the summer months, the Colorado spruce should be watered 2 to 3 times a week. During the winter, water only when the soil is dry to a depth of 1 inch. Avoid overwatering, as this could result in root rot, fungus, and other issues.
sunlight
Colorado spruce (Picea pungens 'Thume') require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. For optimum health and growth, they will benefit from 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight every day. During the spring and summer, this is best accomplished by positioning them in a spot where they will receive full sun throughout the day. During the winter months, when the days are shorter, it is important to place the Colorado spruce in an area that will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
pruning
Colorado spruce (Picea pungens 'Thume') should be pruned during the late winter or early spring before active growth begins. Pruning should be minimal as Colorado spruce doesn't require much shaping. To promote branching and bushy growth, pruning should focus on removing the oldest, longest growth. This commonly includes removing any dead, broken, or crossing limbs and thinning out dense foliage. Additionally, overall size can be reduced by pruning back the ends of branches by a third. Overall, the Colorado spruce should be pruned sparingly and only when necessary.