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The picea pungens ‘Bacheri’ blue spruce is truly one of the most stunning conifers available for landscapes. With its striking powder blue foliage and compact, pyramidal form, it makes a majestic focal point in any garden. In this article, we’ll explore why this tree is so revered by gardeners and landscape designers alike.
An Overview of Picea pungens ‘Bacheri’
Picea pungens is the classic Colorado blue spruce, a large evergreen native to the Rocky Mountains. The species itself can grow over 100 feet tall in the wild, but cultivated varieties like ‘Bacheri’ are much more compact.
‘Bacheri’ is a semi-dwarf cultivar that typically reaches 12-18 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity. It has the same iconic blue needles as the species, but in a more manageable size for suburban and urban landscapes. The needles emerge bright blue and hold their color well throughout the year.
This dwarf blue spruce grows in a broad, conical shape with horizontal branching. The form starts off pyramidal when young, then continues to fill out with age. ‘Bacheri’ is grafted onto a standard blue spruce understock, giving it an attractive straight trunk.
The Stunning Blue Foliage
The outstanding feature of any blue spruce is of course the foliage. The needles have a waxy, powder blue cast that seems to shimmer in the sunlight. The blue comes from a natural wax coating on the needles. This coating helps protect the tree from drying out in its native high-elevation habitat.
The blue shade can range from light powder blue to deeper steely blue. It stays remarkably consistent through the seasons. The needles themselves are sharp, stiff and arranged in all directions around the branches.
This blue hue makes a bold statement in the landscape. It contrasts beautifully with green foliage and flower colors. The blue acts as a cool, soothing accent that works in gardens of any style.
Growing Conditions
Picea pungens prefers consistent moisture and cool climates Luckily ‘Bacheri’ is adaptable enough to grow well in many regions It can tolerate drier conditions than the species once established, But it still appreciates weekly water during drought and supplemental irrigation in hot climates,
This dwarf blue spruce grows best in full sun. It can adapt to part shade, but may become more open and loose in habit. Well-draining soil enriched with organic matter is ideal. Although it tolerates clay soil, sandy loam helps prevent fungal issues.
‘Bacheri’ is rated for USDA zones 3-8. It can survive down to -40°F when fully dormant. It may struggle with heat and humidity in the warmest zones, especially if soils are not kept moist enough. Select a spot with afternoon shade or filtered sunlight in hot climates.
Problems and Care
Like most spruces, ‘Bacheri’ is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Spruce needle cast, cytospora canker, aphids, and spider mites can be occasional issues. Good cultural practices go a long way in prevention.
Make sure to provide sufficient water, especially during dry periods. Promote good airflow around the lower branches. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilization, and prune only when necessary. Monitoring for pests like spider mites allows early treatment before infestations take hold.
Very little pruning is needed once established. Any shaping or corrective pruning is best done in late winter. Avoid heavy shearing, and only remove up to one-third of the new growth annually.
Stunning Focal Point in the Landscape
The dwarf habit and eye-catching blue foliage make ‘Bacheri’ a perfect accent or focal point. It works well in foundation plantings, surrounding entries, or anchoring beds. The pyramidal form lends itself to symmetrical planting designs. Use it to frame views or direct attention to garden features.
Pair ‘Bacheri’ with contrasting flowers and foliage colors to make the blue pop. Yellow, white, and pink blooms create vibrant color combinations. For foliage, add golden, burgundy, or bright green plants as complements.
The versatility and stunning powder blue color of Picea pungens ‘Bacheri’ make it a star in many landscapes. If you’re looking for a focal point conifer that delivers year-round interest, this compact blue spruce is sure to impress!
Established Plants (18 months to 5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 – 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 – 4.11 dry liters |
| 5″ x 5″ x 12″ | 3.5 – 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 – 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 – 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 – 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 – 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 – 12.16 dry liters |
Picea pungens ‘The Blues’ Weeping Blue Spruce
FAQ
How big does a Bakeri blue spruce get?
Bakeri Blue Spruce will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 feet.
What are the cons of blue spruce?
… places that they were planted, especially the East coast and the Midwest, they have eventually performed poorly, succumbing to needle cast diseases and cankerJan 29, 2021
Where is the best place to plant a blue spruce?
How tall do blue spruce trees get: These trees grow anywhere from 30-60 feet tall and about 10-20 feet wide. Sunlight: Plant your blue spruce in an area that it will get full sun, which is at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Aug 6, 2020
How big do Picea pungens baby blue spruce get?
| Mature Height: | 15-25 ft. |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 10-15 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate Growing |
| Botanical Name: | Picea pungens ‘Baby Blue’ |