Spruce, (Colorado) Bonny Blue Picea pungens 'Bonny Blue' Height: 25 feet Spread: 15 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 2a Other Names: Blue Colorado Spruce;Colorado Blue Spruce Description: A shimmering blue evergreen accent tree, pyramidal shaped with large stout branches and elegant silvery-blue needles, a tree of great beauty and color which is retained throughout the year; extremely hardy and rugged Ornamental Features Spruce, (Colorado) Bonny Blue is primarily valued in the landscape 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. The rough gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape. Landscape Attributes Spruce, (Colorado) Bonny Blue is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. This is a relatively low maintenance tree. 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, (Colorado) Bonny Blue is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Spruce, (Colorado) Bonny Blue will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more. This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. 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. Clean up Rating (1-5) 1=least effort 5=most effort Clean Up Rating (4): Cones are oval shaped 3 1/2 to 6 1/2 inches long, young cones are purple changing to brown as they mature. Clean up is blow or rake cones, scoop and bag them. Spruce lose inner needles, they can be blown or raked onto the lawn, mowed or bagged. 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. During the growing season is maintain regular deep watering.
