Picea pungens 'Koster' (Colorado Spruce)
Colorado Spruce 'Koster', Picea pungens (Glauca Group) 'Koster', Picea kosteri 'Glauca', Picea pungens 'Koster Compacta', Picea pungens 'Kosteri', Koster's Blue Spruce
Picea pungens 'Koster' (Colorado Spruce) is a medium-sized, evergreen conifer of elegant conical habit with prickly, brilliant silvery-blue foliage. Irregularly shaped in youth, it turns into a very attractive blue tree, lighting up the garden throughout the year. The needles display a metallic blue cast, particularly on the tips of the new growth, and mature to silver through the summer. Slow-growing (12-15 in. per year or 30-37 cm), this striking Colorado Spruce stands out in the landscape. Perfect as a focal point in a sunny border where its silvery-blue foliage will make a pleasing contrast with the other plants.
- Grows up to 15 ft. high (450 cm) and 20 ft. wide (600 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of dry sites, air pollution, and salt. Some drought tolerance once established. Generally prefers cool climates and will struggle in hot and humid climate areas.
- Perfect as a distinctive specimen plant in the sunny border.
- Watch for adelgids, aphids and conifer red spider mite. Easy to grow and easy to care for.
- No pruning required.
- Propagate by grafting or semi-hardwood cuttings.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 2
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Picea - Spruces |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' (4.5m) |
Spread | 20' (6m) |
Spacing | 240" (600cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
© Martin Ogden /www.teddingtongardener.com, Fotoflor
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 2
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Picea - Spruces |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' (4.5m) |
Spread | 20' (6m) |
Spacing | 240" (600cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |