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Other cultivars/species:
P. abies
‘Pendula’ can also be found in the Alpine Rock Garden and is
another dwarf variety. P. engelmanii Englemann Spruce
is native from British Columbia to Northern California and
is popular in Rocky Mounain region gardens.
|
It grows
much taller, 60-130 ft tall, 20-25 ft. wide, but with
blue-green needles that resemble certain P. pungens
forms.
Extra notes
and interesting information: |
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|
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Dwarf varieties are of use in rock gardens and in large
containers.
Although these
varieties have shallow root systems and need cooler locations,
P.pungens is
more tolerant of
dryer conditions than most other spruces
Birds are
attracted to these trees for both seeds and shelter. |
|
References:
Brenzel, Kathleen Norris, Ed. 2001. 'Sunset Western Garden
Book', 7th ed. Sunset Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, CA.
Meaking Poor, Janet. 1996. 'Plants That Merit Attention: Volume
2- Shrubs'. Timber Press, Portland, OR. |
|
at
a glance:
Common Name:
Colorado Blue Spruce
(dwarf)
Plant type:
Evergreen tree
Family:
Ericaceae
Height/Spread:
Slow growing to 5
ft. high and wide.
Leaves:
Stiff needles, ¾ to
1 ¼ in. long, 4 sided, and attached to branches by small peg like
sterigmata that remain even after the needles drop. Variable color
from dark green, blue-green, to steel-blue.
Buds:
Yellowish-brown and non resinous.
Bloom Period:
Mid-spring
Disease/pests: Aphids
can be a real problem in winters without freezing conditions.
Conditions:
Thrives where
summers are cool or mild and not in heat or humidity. Although,
prefers full sun and well drained soil. P. pungens is the most
drought tolerant of the spruces.
Natural Range:
Rocky Mountain
region.
Hardiness:
Zones (Sunset) A2, A3; 1-10, 14-17
Location:
Alongside the east path that follows the outside of
the Alpine Rock Garden and can also be seen on the
BBG Web Stroll online. |
Complete
Index
