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PICEA pungens 'Montgomery'

Image of Picea pungens 'Montgomery'

James H. Schutte

Family

Pinaceae

Botanical Name

PICEA pungens 'Montgomery'

Plant Common Name

Blue Spruce, Montgomery Blue Spruce

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

Colorado spruce is a medium to large pyramidal evergreen conifer native to the southern Rocky Mountains in the western United States. Selection 'Montgomery' dates to 1949 when it was obtained by R. H. Montgomery of Coscob, Connecticut and donated to the New York Botanical Garden. It is a dwarf, compact, broadly pyramidal shrub with a rigid, horizantal branching shape. Its silvery light blue needles are sharp and pungent when crushed.

The Montgomery blue spruce grows best in full sun and well-drained soil that is fertile and moist. It can withstand many stresses, including drought, pollution, salt and wind. Use 'Montgomery' in the rock garden, foundation planting, or mixed border. Its small mature size makes it exceptional for typical garden use with little need for pruning if situated properly. It has a slightly faster growing pace than others.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    7 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    2 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    6'-8' / 1.8m - 2.4m

  • Width

    10'-11' / 3.0m - 3.4m

  • Native To

    Western United States

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Spreading

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Blue Green, Steel Blue, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Blue Green, Steel Blue, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Blue Green, Steel Blue, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Gray Green, Steel Blue, Silver, Gray

  • Bark Color

    Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No