- Are there any special location preferences to consider?
- What kind of soil does the blue spruce thrive in?
- When is the planting time for the spruce?
- What should be considered when planting?
With its elegant, pyramid-shaped silhouette and blue-grey needle dress, the blue spruce has made a name for itself as a magnificent Christmas tree. Reason enough to settle the equally shapely and undemanding conifer in the garden. Unanswered questions about the skillful planting of a Picea pungens receive a practice-oriented answer here.
The blue spruce thrives best in a sunny spot
Are there any special location preferences to consider?
The blue spruce prefers a sunny location. The more sun rays reach the needle dress, the more intense the blue color embossing. In semi-shady to shady locations there is a risk that the tree will shed its decorative needles in winter.
What kind of soil does the blue spruce thrive in?
The spruce loves loose, humus-rich and well-drained soil. Allocate the conifer a place in fresh, moist soil with a pH value of 6.5 to 7.5 and it will meet all expectations. For cultivation in pots, we recommend structurally stable, high-quality potting soil, enriched with compost and perlite (€37.51) breathing flakes.
When is the planting time for the spruce?
Modern tree nurseries usually offer young blue spruce in containers. This has the advantage that you can plant the tree throughout the growing season as long as the soil is not frozen. If you choose autumn as the planting time, you offer the wood ideal starting conditions in the sun-warmed soil.
What should be considered when planting?
Good soil preparation in combination with the correct planting depth are the be-all and end-all. Dig the soil 2 spades deep and remove weeds, stones and roots. Meanwhile, the still potted root ball is in a bucket of water until no more air bubbles rise. How to plant the blue spruce correctly:
- Dig a planting hole with twice the volume of the root ball
- Enrich the excavation with leaf compost and rock dust
- Insert the potted root ball so deep that the tree disc is just below the surface of the earth
Tamp the soil firmly and water generously. A mulch layer of leaves, grass cuttings or bark mulch has a beneficial effect on rapid rooting.
tips
The blue spruce is quite rightly called the stinging spruce. The 2 to 3 cm long, coarse needles are dangerously sharp. To ensure that the planting and care work on your gem does not become painful, please always wear sturdy gloves and safety goggles.