Colorado Blue Spruce

Colorado blue spruce is one of the most popular ornamental conifers, with striking bluish-silver needles that give year-round interest. Growth is conical in the juvenile stage and turns more columnar with maturity. It adapts well to many soil conditions and is moderately tolerant of both drought, the most drought-tolerant of the spruce species, and flooding.

Blue spruce also works well as an accent, windbreak, or border tree. Full sun is important, as it doesn’t tolerate shade well. It’s a good option for anyone who wants a drought-resistant spruce with striking color and multiple uses.

Growing conditions

• Hardiness zone: 2
• Mature height: 50-75 feet
• Mature spread: 25 feet
• Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Medium
• Tolerates: Moderate flooding, drought