Spruce, Montgomery Blue Picea pungens 'Montgomery' Height: 8 feet Spread: 6 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 2b Other Names: Blue Colorado Spruce;Colorado Blue Spruce Description: A small, dense mounded shrub, very unlike the species, starting as a mound and eventually becoming a miniature Christmas tree-like shape, adaptable and hardy; intensely silver-blue needles, an excellent choice for form and color in the garden composition Ornamental Features Spruce, Montgomery Blue is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has attractive silvery blue evergreen foliage. The needles are highly ornamental and remain silvery blue throughout the winter. Landscape Attributes Spruce, Montgomery Blue is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a distinctive and refined pyramidal 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. Spruce, Montgomery Blue is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Spruce, Montgomery Blue will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. 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. Special Attributes Evergreens need to be watered during the winter. Our desert climate especially in late winter to early spring evergreens can suffer during next growing season. An easy way to remember check for dryness on the holidays Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Valentines Day & Easter.
