Care of the tree Picea pungens or Blue spruce |
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The genus Picea, family Pinaceae, comprises 35 species of trees native to temperate and cold regions of Asia, Europe and North America. Some species are: Picea pungens, Picea mariana, Picea abies, Picea orientalis, Picea rubens, Picea koyamae. Common names: Colorado blue spruce, White spruce, Blue spruce, Green spruce. This species is native to the Rocky Mountains in North America. They are conifers with purple-gray bark and pyramidal bearing that reach 15 meters (49.2 feet) in height and 5 meters (16.4 feet) in width. The leaves are acicular, silvery blue in color (with age they turn green) and are 3 cm (1.18") long. They produce male and female flowers that are not decorative. The fruits are cylindrical hanging cones. These very slow growing trees are used as isolated specimens in medium and large gardens and in public parks due to their resistance to contamination. Picea pungens can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure. They resist intense frosts very well but not the heat of the Mediterranean summer; they are ideal for regions with a cool and humid climate. They prefer fertile soils with abundant organic matter and well drained; They also grow on poor soils and on slightly flooded soils. They need frequent waterings so that the substrate never dries completely. Fertilize with compost in early spring or fall. It's recommended not to prune them unless you have to remove dry or damaged branches (better in early autumn). They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring but it's a slow process. |
Images of the tree Picea pungens or Blue spruce |
 Picea pungens  Picea pungens  Picea pungens  Picea pungens  Picea pungens |