Picea pungens 'Blue Pearl' - Blue Pearl Spruce

Stunning blue needles, very slow growth rate, and a tendency to remain globose make this dwarf spruce an ideal accent plant for borders and edges; this perfect small form of the Colorodo Blue Spruce requires little maintenance to maintain its tidy form

Height: 4 feet. Spread: 4 feet. Sun: full sun. Hardiness zone: 2a.

Ornamental features

Blue Pearl Colorado Spruce is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its ornamental globe-shaped form. It has attractive steel blue evergreen foliage. The needles are highly ornamental and remain steel blue throughout the winter.

Landscape

Blue Pearl Colorado Spruce is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Groundcover.

Planting and growing

Blue Pearl Colorado Spruce will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.