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Colorado Blue Spruce

$5995 $9995
Height

Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Colorado Blue Spruce

Planting Instructions for Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

  1. Soil Preparation: Colorado Blue Spruce prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Before planting, loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of about 12-15 inches, and if the soil is clay-heavy or compacted, mix in compost or sand to improve drainage. This will help the spruce’s roots establish more easily.
  2. Planting Depth: Dig a hole that is slightly shallower than the height of the root ball and about 2-3 times as wide. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to avoid water pooling around the roots. Backfill with soil, mounding slightly to prevent the tree from being planted too deeply. Gently firm the soil around the base without compressing it too much.
  3. Spacing: When planting multiple Blue Spruce trees, space them at least 10-12 feet apart, as these trees can grow up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide. This ensures proper air circulation and room for growth.
  4. Watering: After planting, water thoroughly but don’t oversaturate the soil. It's crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially in the first few weeks after planting.
  5. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (such as pine bark or wood chips) around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This helps conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering During Establishment: For the first couple of years, water the Colorado Blue Spruce deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry periods. Once established, the tree becomes more drought-tolerant but should still receive consistent watering during prolonged dry spells. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
  2. Fertilization: During the first growing season, you generally don’t need to fertilize. After the first year, you can apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring to promote healthy growth. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can encourage weak, leggy growth.
  3. Monitoring for Issues: Keep an eye on the tree for any signs of stress, such as yellowing or browning needles. These could indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or pest infestations. Colorado Blue Spruce is susceptible to root rot if the soil remains too wet, so ensure proper drainage.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning: Pruning is generally not necessary for Colorado Blue Spruce, as they naturally grow into a conical shape. However, you can prune to remove any dead or diseased branches or to control shape in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid heavy pruning, as spruces do not respond well to it and may struggle to recover.
  2. Pest Control: While Colorado Blue Spruce is relatively hardy, it can occasionally attract pests such as spider mites, aphids, or spruce budworms. Regularly inspect the tree, and if pests are spotted, treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. A healthy, well-watered tree is less likely to suffer from pest issues.
  3. Seasonal Care: During harsh winter months, avoid piling snow or ice near the base of the tree, which can cause damage. Colorado Blue Spruce is very cold-tolerant, but ensuring good overall health through proper care will help it resist winter stress.
  4. Long-Term Watering: After the tree is established (usually within 2-3 years), the Colorado Blue Spruce will require less frequent watering but still benefits from deep watering during long dry spells. Mulch should be replenished annually to keep moisture levels steady.
What Customers say about the Colorado Blue Spruce:

The Colorado Blue Spruce thrives in Zones 2-7

Growing Zones for the Colorado Blue Spruce

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Colorado Blue Spruce.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 2-7
Mature Height 30-60 ft.
Mature Width 30-70 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Picea pungens

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Row of Colorado blue spruce trees with dense, silvery-blue needles, set against a backdrop of green shrubs.

Beware- not all Colorado Blue Spruce Trees are the same.

Be sure to get superior evergreens, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" evergreens to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Colorado Blue Spruce Trees in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall evergreens in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

Close up view of the foliage of a Colorado blue spruce tree.

The Colorado Blue Spruce is a classic- striking silvery-blue needles on a stately, Christmas-tree shape.

  • Silvery-blue color all year, strongest on new growth and in full sun
  • Tall windbreak or screen: grows 30-60 ft. tall; space trees at least 10-12 ft. apart
  • Extremely cold hardy in zones 2-7 and stands up to strong winds
  • Low maintenance: rarely needs pruning and becomes drought tolerant once established

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Mature Colorado blue spruce tree in a yard with other green trees behind it for contrast.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, so the plant you receive is much smaller than you expected. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Colorado Blue Spruce Trees Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship tall but skinny spruces that were grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" trees struggle after planting and take much longer to fill in your privacy screen.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Colorado Blue Spruce Trees, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means they settle in quickly and start building your windbreak or screen sooner.

Read more about the Colorado Blue Spruce

Colorado Blue Spruce – A Majestic Evergreen with Stunning Blue Needles

The Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) is a breathtaking evergreen known for its striking silver-blue needles and stately, pyramidal shape. This iconic tree adds a bold, dramatic statement to any landscape and offers year-round color, structure, and beauty. Whether you're looking to create a natural privacy screen, a windbreak, or a standout focal point in your yard, the Colorado Blue Spruce is a perfect choice for homeowners seeking a hardy, low-maintenance tree that enhances their outdoor space.

Key Features of Colorado Blue Spruce:

  • Stunning Blue-Gray Foliage: The Colorado Blue Spruce is prized for its unique blue-silver needles, which bring a distinctive, eye-catching look to your landscape all year round.
  • Pyramidal Shape: Growing in a classic Christmas-tree shape, this spruce can reach heights of 30-60 feet with a spread of 10-20 feet, making it an excellent choice for large properties or as a dramatic ornamental tree.
  • Cold Hardy & Wind Resistant: Perfect for USDA Zones 2-7, the Colorado Blue Spruce thrives in cold climates and stands up to strong winds, making it ideal for northern regions and exposed locations.
  • Low Maintenance & Drought Tolerant: Once established, this spruce is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, making it an easy addition to your landscape.

An Excellent Choice for Privacy, Windbreaks, or Standalone Beauty

The Colorado Blue Spruce excels as a natural privacy screen or windbreak, thanks to its dense foliage and sturdy branches. When planted in rows, it creates an effective barrier against wind, noise, and unwanted views, while adding elegance and beauty to your yard. As a solitary specimen, the tree’s stunning blue needles and symmetrical form make it a focal point that draws attention and admiration. Whether you need a privacy solution or simply want to add year-round interest to your landscape, this spruce fits the bill.

Easy to Grow & Adaptable

The Colorado Blue Spruce is not only beautiful but also highly adaptable. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy and even clay. This tree is drought-tolerant once established and requires little more than occasional watering in its first few years. Unlike many other trees, it resists most common pests and diseases, ensuring that it remains healthy and vibrant with minimal effort.

Perfect for Large Properties & Statement Planting

With its tall, upright growth habit, the Colorado Blue Spruce is an ideal choice for larger properties or expansive yards where it can fully develop its impressive stature. Its conical shape and striking blue hue make it a perfect choice for those looking to add a dramatic focal point to their landscape. This spruce also makes a beautiful addition to holiday displays or winter landscapes, where its frosty blue needles contrast wonderfully with snow-covered surroundings.

Why Choose Nationwide Plants?

At Nationwide Plants, we’re committed to delivering only the highest quality trees and shrubs. Our Colorado Blue Spruce trees are expertly grown and hand-selected to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your landscape. With fast shipping and exceptional customer service, Nationwide Plants is your trusted partner for premium trees that will enhance the beauty and value of your property.

Bring Home the Majestic Beauty of Colorado Blue Spruce Today!

The Colorado Blue Spruce is a majestic evergreen known for its vibrant blue needles and stunning beauty. Hardy and versatile, this tree is perfect for enhancing landscapes or creating natural privacy. Its striking color and resilience make it a standout choice for any outdoor space. With fast delivery options, there’s never been a better time to add this evergreen masterpiece to your home—order your Colorado Blue Spruce today!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Colorado Blue Spruce

How tall does a Colorado Blue Spruce get?

A Colorado Blue Spruce typically grows 30 to 60 feet tall with a classic pyramidal, Christmas-tree shape. Because it becomes a large tree, it is best suited to spacious yards, windbreaks, and open landscapes where it has plenty of room to spread over time.

How far apart should I plant Colorado Blue Spruce?

Space Colorado Blue Spruce trees at least 10 to 12 feet apart when planting more than one, such as for a windbreak or privacy row. This spacing provides air circulation and room for growth, and wider spacing lets each tree keep its full, symmetrical shape.

What zones does Colorado Blue Spruce grow in?

Colorado Blue Spruce grows in USDA zones 2 through 7 and is extremely cold hardy, thriving in harsh winters and standing up to strong winds. It generally performs best in regions with cold winters and is less suited to hot, humid climates.

Why is Colorado Blue Spruce blue?

Colorado Blue Spruce gets its blue color from a waxy coating on the needles that reflects light, giving them a silvery blue-gray appearance. The color is strongest on new growth and in full sun, and trees can vary from blue-green to intense silver-blue.

How much sun does a Colorado Blue Spruce need?

A Colorado Blue Spruce grows in full sun to partial shade, but full sun produces the densest growth and the best blue needle color. In heavier shade, trees tend to grow more open and may lose some of their silvery tone.

How often should I water a Colorado Blue Spruce?

Water a Colorado Blue Spruce deeply once a week for the first couple of years, more often in hot, dry weather. Once established, usually within 2 to 3 years, it becomes drought tolerant but still benefits from deep watering during long dry spells. Avoid soggy soil, which causes root rot.

What soil does Colorado Blue Spruce prefer?

Colorado Blue Spruce prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Loosen the planting area 12 to 15 inches deep, and mix compost or sand into heavy clay or compacted soil to improve drainage. Set the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil to prevent water from pooling.

Does Colorado Blue Spruce need pruning?

Colorado Blue Spruce rarely needs pruning because it naturally grows into a conical shape. Remove dead or diseased branches or lightly shape it in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid heavy pruning, since spruces recover poorly from hard cuts.

Is Colorado Blue Spruce good for a windbreak?

Yes, Colorado Blue Spruce makes an excellent windbreak and privacy screen thanks to its dense, stiff branches, cold hardiness, and wind resistance. Plant a row in full sun with adequate spacing, and it will provide year-round shelter and color, along with cover for birds and wildlife.

Can Colorado Blue Spruce ship to Arizona or Oregon?

No, Colorado Blue Spruce cannot be shipped to Arizona or Oregon due to state plant shipping restrictions. Customers in other states can order it in a 1 gallon size or as a 1 to 2 foot tree, ready to plant in a sunny, well-drained spot.
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