Colorado Blue Spruce

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Size
Regular price $168.00

$1500+, BUNDLE20 for 20% off
$3000+, BUNDLE30 for 30% off
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Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Colorado Blue Spruce is a stunning evergreen known for its striking blue-gray needles and classic pyramidal shape. This hardy landscape tree provides year-round color and structure, making it a favorite focal point tree for front yards, entryways, and privacy plantings. With long life, excellent cold tolerance, and minimal maintenance needs, the Colorado Blue Spruce adds lasting beauty to nearly any northern landscape.

  • Botanical name: Picea pungens
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Full sun

WATER:
Water deeply once per week during the first 1–2 growing seasons. After establishment, water every 2–3 weeks depending on rainfall, heat, and climate. Avoid overwatering or waterlogged soil — spruces prefer well-draining conditions

LEVEL OF CARE: EASY
Cold-hardy and low-maintenance once established

PET-FRIENDLY?:
Generally safe for pets

Note: Colorado Blue Spruce trees hold tight, blue needles year-round but colors appear brightest when planted in full sun. In shaded areas, foliage may look more green-blue.

This evergreen thrives in cooler climates and may struggle in hot, humid regions — a normal preference for spruces adapted to mountain and northern environments.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Colorado Blue Spruce is a classic evergreen admired for its striking silvery-blue needles and dense pyramidal form. Known for its year-round color and rugged durability, this tree makes a strong statement in landscapes, whether planted as a standalone focal point or in rows for windbreaks and privacy. With minimal maintenance needs and long-term structure, the Colorado Blue Spruce is a favorite for homeowners seeking four-season beauty and lasting landscape value.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Slow to moderate growth rate; reaches mature height of 30–60 ft and mature width 10–20 ft

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply once per week during the first 1–2 growing seasons. After establishment, water every 2–3 weeks, depending on heat, rainfall, and soil drainage. Increase watering during drought or extreme heat. Avoid waterlogged soil, as spruces dislike standing moisture. Plant the Colorado Blue Spruce in full sun—at least 6 hours daily—to maintain its vivid blue needle color and dense shape. Too much shade results in thinner growth and duller foliage.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Minimal pruning is required. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. If shaping is needed, do so lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

FERTILIZING:
Feed once a year in early spring with a slow-release evergreen fertilizer, or skip fertilizer if planted in rich soil. A 2–3 inch mulch layer helps retain moisture and protect roots.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Naturally winter-hardy in its ideal zones and rarely needs protection. In newly planted trees, mulch the base (without touching the trunk) and water occasionally during dry, snow-free winter periods to prevent root dehydration.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just deep enough so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above surrounding soil. Gently loosen circling roots before planting. Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly, and apply mulch in a wide ring around the tree, keeping it several inches away from the trunk. Continue watering regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 2-7

The Colorado Blue Spruce thrives in cold to cool climates and is one of the most cold-hardy evergreens available. It performs best in areas with cool summers, low to moderate humidity, and well-drained soil. This spruce is especially popular across the northern U.S. and mountain regions where winters are long and temperatures regularly drop below freezing. It may struggle in hot, humid southern climates due to heat stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Colorado Blue Spruce typically reaches 30–60 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide at maturity, forming a dense, pyramidal shape.

This evergreen grows at a slow to moderate rate, averaging 8–12 inches of new growth per year once established.

Plant in full sun in well-draining soil. Choose a spot with plenty of open space for the tree to spread vertically and horizontally and avoid low-lying areas that stay wet.

Plant at least 15–20 feet away from homes, driveways, and buildings to allow for future height and root spread.

Space trees 15–20 feet apart for individual growth, or plant slightly closer (10–12 feet apart) if using them for a dense privacy screen or windbreak.

Yes — once established, this spruce has good drought tolerance. It will still benefit from occasional deep watering during long dry periods or unusually hot weather.

It can grow in clay if drainage is improved. Avoid planting where water sits or soil remains soggy, as standing moisture can stress the tree or cause root issues.

Yes — the sharp, stiff needles generally make it naturally deer resistant, though no plant is completely deer-proof.

Expect several years of slow, steady growth. Full landscape impact often appears by year 8–10, with continued growth and structure developing over decades.

Needle color varies based on sunlight exposure and growing conditions. In full sun, the tree develops its brightest silvery-blue tones, thanks to a natural waxy coating on the needles. In partial shade or cloudy climates, that coating can be lighter, causing the foliage to appear more green-blue — both are completely normal for this species.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.