Colorado Blue Spruce Picea pungens (Glauca Group) 'Hoopsii'
ABOUT
The plant known as the Colorado Blue Spruce 'Hoopsii' is an evergreen conifer that is widely appreciated for its stunning silvery-blue needles that are both long and sharp, providing a very dense, full appearance. This ornamental tree has a classic pyramidal shape, with branches that are horizontally tiered and slightly weeping at the ends, adding grace to its form. The needles of the Colorado Blue Spruce 'Hoopsii' are arranged radially around the branches, which gives the tree a somewhat spikey texture that is visually interesting and striking. The foliage offers year-round color and serves as an excellent backdrop for other plants in the landscape. As the tree matures, it develops a sturdy central trunk with a thick, rough, gray-brown bark that adds to its presence. During the development of the tree, cones may form that are cylindrical, and their color can range from green to brown as they mature. Overall, the vivid blue coloration of the needles is the most distinctive characteristic of the Colorado Blue Spruce 'Hoopsii', making it a popular choice for adding a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pinaceae
Synonyms
Colorado Blue Spruce, Silver Blue Spruce, Hoopsii Colorado Spruce, Hoopsii Blue Spruce
Common names
Picea pungens 'Hoopsii'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Colorado Blue Spruce is not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that ingesting parts of the Colorado Blue Spruce poses a risk of poisoning or causes harmful symptoms to humans.
To pets
The Colorado Blue Spruce is not considered toxic to pets. It is generally regarded as safe, and there is no widespread documentation of poisoning or harmful effects in pets such as dogs and cats from ingesting this plant. However, the needles may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities due to their shape and texture.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Height
30 feet 9 inches (9.14 meters)
Spread
10 feet 3 meters (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Picea pungens 'Hoopsii' commonly known as Colorado Blue Spruce, is highly valued for its intense silvery-blue needles, adding year-round color and unique texture to landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and waterwise gardens.
- Cold Hardy: It is exceptionally cold hardy, withstanding winter temperatures without significant damage, ideal for colder climates.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, as well as food for certain species of wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
- Windbreak: Its dense growth habit and large size make an excellent windbreak, providing protection for gardens and homes from harsh winds.
- Privacy Screen: Colorado Blue Spruce can be used as an effective privacy screen or living fence due to its dense foliage.
- Erosion Control: The strong root system helps to stabilize soil, preventing erosion on slopes and embankments.
- Christmas Tree: Often used as a traditional Christmas tree due to its symmetrical shape and attractive foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, which makes it convenient for gardeners of all levels.
- Longevity: The Colorado Blue Spruce is known for its long lifespan, providing landscape value for many years.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: The Colorado blue spruce's dense foliage and striking blue-green color can serve as a natural backdrop for outdoor photography sessions.
- Windbreaks: Planting a row of Colorado blue spruce can provide a windbreak, protecting homes and gardens from strong winds.
- Privacy Screens: The thick growth habit of the Colorado blue spruce makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens in residential areas.
- Sound Barrier: The dense branches and foliage of the Colorado blue spruce can help reduce noise pollution when planted along busy roads or highways.
- Erosion Control: With its extensive root system, the Colorado blue spruce can help prevent soil erosion on sloped landscapes.
- Theme Gardens: Colorado blue spruce can be incorporated into specific garden themes, such as winter wonderland or alpine gardens.
- Urban Green Spaces: The tree can be planted in parks and public gardens to add greenery and improve the aesthetics of urban environments.
- Habitat Creation: Colorado blue spruce provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, making them a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.
- Festive Decor: Branches of the Colorado blue spruce may be used for creating wreaths or other decorative items during the holiday season.
- Shade for Understory Plants: The tree's canopy can create dappled shade that allows for the cultivation of shade-loving plants beneath it.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Colorado Blue Spruce is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Colorado Blue Spruce is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Resilience: The Colorado blue spruce, known for its toughness and ability to withstand harsh conditions, symbolizes strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Longevity: As an evergreen tree with a long lifespan, this plant represents longevity and the enduring aspect of nature.
- Protection: In some cultures, evergreen trees like the Colorado blue spruce are believed to possess protective qualities, offering shelter and a safe haven for birds and wildlife, hence symbolizing protection and safety.
- Steadfastness: The upright growth and solid stature of the Colorado blue spruce denote steadfastness and the ability to stand firm despite challenges.
- Healing: The needles of the blue spruce have been used by some indigenous peoples for medicinal and therapeutic purposes, symbolizing healing and rejuvenation.
WaterThe Colorado Blue Spruce 'Hoopsii' prefers to be watered deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. A good approach is to water the tree with about 1-2 gallons once a week during dry periods; however, during the growing season, you might need to do so more frequently. It's important to avoid waterlogging so ensure proper drainage is in place. During the winter, reduce the amount of water, especially if the ground is frozen—once every 2-3 weeks with slightly less water should suffice, ensuring that the tree doesn't dry out completely.
LightColorado Blue Spruce 'Hoopsii' thrives in full sunlight. It needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day and can handle exposure to sun all day long. The best spot for the plant is one where it receives sunlight throughout the day, without being shaded by larger plants or buildings.
TemperatureColorado Blue Spruce 'Hoopsii' is hardy and can withstand winter temperatures as low as -40°F and summer temperatures up to 90°F. The ideal temperature range for this spruce is between 60°F and 75°F, which promotes healthy growth. However, this variety is notably resilient and can adapt to varying temperature conditions outside of this range without significant damage.
PruningPruning Colorado Blue Spruce 'Hoopsii' is typically not necessary as they naturally maintain a good shape. If pruning is required to remove damaged or diseased branches, the best time is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune sparingly to maintain the tree's natural conical shape, focusing only on the necessary cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Colorado Blue Spruce 'Hoopsii' is well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A combination of loamy garden soil, peat moss or compost, and a bit of sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingColorado Blue Spruce 'Hoopsii' doesn't require frequent repotting as it is mostly grown as an outdoor tree. It should only be repotted or transplanted when it outgrows its current space or container, which is typically done while the tree is young or every few years.
Humidity & MistingColorado Blue Spruce 'Hoopsii' is hardy and adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but thrives in moderate humidity. It is not particularly demanding in terms of atmospheric moisture and can handle the humidity levels typically found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; requires ample space, sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; ensure ample growing space.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Colorado blue spruce 'Hoopsii' begins its life as a seed, usually germinating in spring following a period of cold stratification that breaks dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing a root system and a shoot that grows into a young sapling with characteristic blue-green needles. As the sapling matures, it enters a prolonged vegetative growth stage, during which it develops a strong trunk and symmetrical, conical shape. The tree reaches reproductive maturity after several years, often 15 to 20 years after germination, and begins producing cones—female cones are larger and carry seeds, while smaller male cones release pollen. Pollination occurs typically in spring, with wind carrying pollen from male to female cones, leading to seed development. The mature Colorado blue spruce 'Hoopsii' can live for several hundred years, continuously growing and reproducing annually, with older trees eventually reaching the end of their life cycle and making way for new generations.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The Colorado Blue Spruce, known scientifically as Picea pungens (Glauca Group) 'Hoopsii', is commonly propagated by seed or through vegetative methods such as grafting or cuttings. However, the most popular method of propagation for this cultivar is through grafting, primarily because it ensures the offspring will retain the same desirable traits as the parent plant. This technique typically involves taking a shoot from a mature 'Hoopsii' and grafting it onto a rootstock of a less ornamental but more vigorous spruce species. The best time for grafting is late winter to early spring, when the plants are still dormant but are about to start their growing season. Grafting involves joining the 'Hoopsii' shoot, known as the scion, to a cut made in the rootstock. The joint is then usually wrapped to protect it and keep it in place until the scion and the rootstock naturally fuse together, a process which could take a few weeks to several months depending on conditions.
