Blue Nest Spruce
Picea mariana 'Ericoides'
Height:
12 - 18 in.
Width:
3 - 4 ft.
Foliage Color:
Gray Blue
Foliage Type:
Needle Evergreen
Exposure:
Partial Sun / Sun
Shape:
Spreading
Moisture Level:
Moist, Well Drained
Zones:
3 - 7
Native Range:
Northern North America
The Gardener's Notepad
Commonly known as Blue Bird's Nest Spruce. A very nice soft blue with an overall silver/gray tone. Fairly horizontal growth habit but will reach knee high or more, depending on pruning. Generally maintenance free. Dislikes heat and humidity, and a touch of afternoon shade isn't a terrible idea. To minimize foliar moisture retention, refrain from crowding it out with herbaceous perennials. A little breathing room, please. And most serious conifer collections use gravel in place of bark mulch or leaf compost. Decomposed granite is especially attractive.