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Picea pungens ‘Koster’ (Colorado Spruce)

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Picea pungens 'Koster', Colorado Spruce 'Koster', Picea pungens (Glauca Group) 'Koster', Picea kosteri 'Glauca', Picea pungens 'Koster Compacta', Evergreen Conifer, Evergreen Shrub, Blue Conifer,

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.

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 Pinaceae
Genus Picea
Common names Blue Spruce, Colorado Spruce
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 15' (4.6m)
Spread 20' (6.1m)
Spacing 240" (6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Picea pungens (Colorado Blue Spruce)
Picea abies (Norway Spruce)
Picea pungens var. glauca (Colorado Blue Spruce)
Picea rubens (Red Spruce)
Picea mariana ‘Nana’ (Black Spruce)
Picea engelmannii (Engelmann Spruce)

Recommended Companion Plants

Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ (Burning Bush)
Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Firewitch’ (Cheddar Pink)
Sedum telephium ‘Purple Emperor’ (Stonecrop)
Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ (Black-Eyed Susan)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Native Plant Alternatives to Picea abies (Norway Spruce)
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.
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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 Pinaceae
Genus Picea
Common names Blue Spruce, Colorado Spruce
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 15' (4.6m)
Spread 20' (6.1m)
Spacing 240" (6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Picea (Spruce)
Guides with
Picea (Spruce)
Not sure which Picea (Spruce) to pick?
Compare Now

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