Easily grown in average, acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light shade. Prefers rich, moist soils. Although established plants have some drought tolerance, soils should be kept consistently moist and not allowed to dry out in the early years. Prune out upright shoots to maintain globose form. Generally prefers cool climates and will struggle in the heat and humidity of the deep South.
Colorado spruce is a medium to large, narrow, pyramidal conifer with horizontal branching to the ground. Stiff, bristly, four-angled, green to blue-green to silver-blue needles (to 1.5” long) point outward from the branches in all directions. It typically grows 30-60’ tall in cultivation, but may reach 100’ or more where it grows naturally. It is native to the central Rocky Mountains from southern Montana and eastern Idaho south to New Mexico. ‘Glauca Globosa’ is a dwarf, globe-shaped, blue-needled, evergreen shrub with a flattened top that will slowly grow over time to 3-5’ tall and to 4-6’ wide. It is typically sold as a grafted plant. Blue needles hold their color well throughout the year, but are brightest when they first emerge in spring. This dwarf shrub is similar in appearance to Picea pungens ‘Montgomery’. Specific epithet means sharp-pointed in reference to the needles.
No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to needle cast, canker and rust. Watch for aphids (particularly spruce gall aphids), scale, budworms and bagworms. Spider mite invasions can cause significant problems with new growth and overall tree health.
Blue-needled specimen shrub for the landscape. Rock garden. Shrub border. Hedge.
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