
Picea pungens ‘The Blues’ is a striking, weeping cultivar of the Colorado blue spruce. It features cascading branches covered in intensely silvery-blue needles that create a dramatic, flowing effect. With a naturally irregular, weeping habit, it can be trained to grow as a spreading groundcover or staked for an upright, waterfall-like appearance. Its dense foliage provides year-round visual interest, and the sharp, rigid needles enhance its unique texture. This cultivar thrives in full sun, where its blue tones become even more vibrant.
- Size: Typically reaches 6–10 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide when staked; wider if left untrained. Growth rate is moderate.
- Sun Requirements: Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil; tolerates a range of soil types but dislikes excessive moisture.
- Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells.
- Pruning: Minimal; can be pruned for shape and to control size. Stake young plants for desired form.
- Hardiness: Cold-hardy in USDA zones 2–8.
- Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant to pests; may occasionally encounter spider mites, aphids, or needle cast diseases in poor conditions.
- Uses: Ideal for specimen planting, rock gardens, cascading over walls, or as a unique focal point in landscapes.