Picea Pungens 'Maigold' - Octopus/Blue Spruce (yellow)

Seedling height 10-40cm a sunny/shady    

   

Description

PICEA pungens 'Maigold' is a really unusual conifer in its own right. Indeed, for about two months, the new shoots of this Colorado spruce are first white and turn yellow .
As the name suggests, its magic works in May to guarantee us a remarkable spectacle. Then its new shoots take on a green/blue color until the following year.
Its conical shape and moderate growth (about 2.50 m tall after 10 years) make it a plant that is perfect for small gardens.
Like many other conifers, this one is also drought tolerant (after two years of planting).

How to plant PICEA pungens 'Maigold'

Find a spot for this conifer in partial shade or full sun (it will be bluer then). You can plant it in a pot , in bedding or isolated .
It tolerates all pH and moist, slightly moist and dry soil . The soil can be light, normal or heavy .
This Colorado spruce can easily withstand temperatures above -20 °C.

History and origin

PICEA pungens has several vernacular names such as Colorado spruce , blue spruce or even Colorado blue spruce .

This conifer is endemic to North America, particularly Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. It grows there in moist but well-drained places. Plus, Colorado has made it their state tree.

The type species, PICEA pungens, has developed into a prized ornamental tree with greenish-blue needles. It is also used as a Christmas tree.

The Navajo and Keres peoples used this tree not only for their traditional medicine, but also as a ceremonial object. Branches are offered to bring good luck. In the past, wood was used for construction.