Species Colorado spruce
aqua-green foliage with orange branches

Colorado spruce

Picea pungens 'Thume'

The Colorado spruce (Picea pungens 'Thume') is an evergreen coniferous tree usually growing up to a height of 30 feet. It is a popular landscaping tree with grey-green foliage, typically having a blue-tinged hue. The needles are sharp and held closely together in dense clusters, and the bark is reddish-brown and scaly. This hardy species is able to tolerate a wide range of soils and environments, making it a very versatile and easy-care choice for home gardens. The Colorado spruce can also be used as a windbreak or privacy screen for larger homes.

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.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Colorado spruce typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Colorado spruce typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map