Why are blue spruces blue?

The blue color of blue spruce needles is caused by epicuticular waxes on the needles that reflect specific wavelengths of light. Some trees can grow decisively blue needles, but others of the same type have green or blue-green needles. In fact, another common name for the tree is silver spruce.

Hereof, how do you keep blue spruce blue?

Apply a chelated iron-rich fertilizer if a blue spruce develops a yellow or yellow-green color. A shortage of iron will cause the needles of a blue spruce to lose their blue coloration. The fertilizer will replace the depleted iron and help the needles regain their blue color.

Similarly, where are blue spruces found? The native range of blue spruce is the central and southern Rocky Mountains of the USA – in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

Furthermore, what is the bluest blue spruce?

Picea pungens 'Hoopsii' Outstanding evergreen tree, generally considered the bluest form. New growth is especially bright blue. Pyramidal form that holds stiff horizontal branches with dense silvery-blue needles.

What is killing the blue spruce?

Cytospora Canker of Spruce The Cytospora canker fungus may attack many different species of hardwood trees, conifers, and shrubs. Over time, the fungus encircles or girdles branches, causing death. Brown needles can be observed on killed branches, but they eventually fall off, leaving bare branches.

35 Related Question Answers Found

What should I feed my blue spruce?

I suggest feeding spruce trees with a slow-release shrub & tree type fertilizer or a natural, organic plant food. After planting, lightly sprinkle a slow-release shrub & tree type fertilizer beneath and just beyond the canopy of your spruce tree. Keep the granules well away from the plant's trunk area.

Can you trim a blue spruce?

The blue spruce tree's slow growth makes it mostly intolerant to heavy pruning. Always complete this tree's pruning during the late winter or early spring months, just before the onset of its growing season. Use sharp, sterile shears to complete the cuts.

When should I feed my blue spruce?

The best time to fertilize a blue spruce tree is during the spring season prior to the flush of growth. Do not fertilize the tree in late summer as the tender new growth becomes susceptible to damage during the fall frost.

How much water does a blue spruce tree need?

To encourage healthy growth, water newly planted blue spruce trees at least once a week during the first year after planting until the ground freezes for the winter. During the hot summer months it may be necessary to water more frequently to keep the ground moist.

Can a brown evergreen come back?

Whether needled or broadleafed, both evergreen trees and shrubs can look sickly and brown in spring, especially after a particularly cold or dry winter. Though there may be some branch loss, most brown evergreens do come back as spring progresses.

Can you top a blue spruce?

Trimming the evergreens will eliminate dead or partially dead limbs and will contribute to the health of the tree while maintaining an attractive tree shape. Trim during the growing season in the spring, when the trees feature new, soft, light green growth. Check the blue spruce tree for dead limbs.

How many years does a blue spruce live?

200 years

What does a blue spruce look like?

Blue spruce, also known as Colorado spruce, is a conical-shaped evergreen tree with stiff horizontal branches and short stiff needles. It is a commonly used tree in Midwest landscapes. In nature the needles are often green, but many specimens produce blue-green needles.

How can I make my blue spruce grow faster?

Overfertilizing to create faster growth oftem makes a tree sacrifice defenses, making it more susceptible to diseases and insects. A layer of organic mulch or better yet compost, under these trees will help them establish well. Also be sure they are receiving sufficent water.

How do you plant a Fat Albert blue spruce?

Your spruce needs well-drained acidic soil with average moisture. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Avoid fertilizing your tree the first year.

How tall does a baby blue spruce grow?

between 15 and 20 feet

How do you plant a blue spruce seed?

Fill a planting pot with at least 6 inches of vermiculite. Sow the Colorado blue spruce seeds in the pot in early spring and cover them with a 1/4-inch layer of vermiculite. Place a 2-inch layer of mulch on top of the vermiculite and place the pot in partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not wet.

Is there a difference between Colorado spruce and Colorado blue spruce?

Blue Spruce, also known as Colorado Spruce, is our best selling tree! Blue Spruce trees are ideally suited for use in shelterbelts, privacy screens, or as accent trees. Please note: our Blue Spruce are grown from seed and the needles vary in color from green to blue. White Spruce is a hardy, long-lived evergreen tree.

What color is spruce?

Unlike other spruce trees that have a deep and distinct green color, this spruce has a hint of blue that makes it completely unique. Each individual needle looks green, but when you look at the tree as a whole, the needles combine to form a beautiful blue-green color.

Do Blue Spruce need full sun?

Blue spruces only need full sun to reach their top growth potential, they do not require it to be healthy. They will grow very well in shade, if they are not under another tree's dripline, and if there aren't many other tree roots in the soil.

Do blue spruce trees have deep roots?

According to the U.S. Forest Service, blue spruce trees develop shallow roots after seed germinate, perhaps only 2 to 3 inches deep. This reveals that this tree species grows with a spreading, shallow root system.

Can trees be blue?

There are no trees with blue leaves. There are some plants that perform “delayed greening” a process of postponing the development of chlorophyll to protect young leaves from predators and potential UV damage.