How to Landscape for a Blue Spruce
Blue spruce trees are an elegant addition to the landscape. This evergreen tree is hardy and, once established, is easy to care for. Blue spruce is hardy in USDA zones 2 through 8. A good tip when buying blue spruce trees is to choose the bluest tree you can find. Not all spruce trees are created equal, and picking an inferior tree will leave you disappointed.
Choose the correct companion plants. Though moderately slow growing, blue spruce trees do mature to a large size. Choose correctly sized companions that the tree won't overwhelm at maturity. A mix of small, medium and large perennials and annuals, when carefully placed, will help to anchor the spruce tree in the landscape.
- Blue spruce trees are an elegant addition to the landscape.
- A mix of small, medium and large perennials and annuals, when carefully placed, will help to anchor the spruce tree in the landscape.
Plant companions that color-coordinate and flow with the spruce tree. Choose plants that will show off, not compete with your blue spruce. Deep purples, reds, blacks and bronzes make good choices to plant en masse to showcase the spruce tree's blue foliage. Choose silver, gold, chartreuse, yellow, pink or other bright colors as an unexpected shot of color. Use bright colors sparingly to avoid distracting from the blue spruce.
Add water movement. Installing a meandering stream that gently spills into a reflecting pool will further accentuate the elegant planting. A still pond will mirror the blue spruce and surrounding landscape.
- Plant companions that color-coordinate and flow with the spruce tree.
- Deep purples, reds, blacks and bronzes make good choices to plant en masse to showcase the spruce tree's blue foliage.
Add organic mulch. Several inches of organic mulch and compost will help to conserve moisture, feed plants and suppress weeds. Dark brown or black mulches will contrast nicely with the blue spruce and other plants.
Use boulders in the landscape. Have a professional or several friends help you install a few large boulders. Keep them in scale with the mature tree size, not the size you plant. Boulders and smaller rocks help to ground your landscape, making it feel as though it has been there for years.
- Several inches of organic mulch and compost will help to conserve moisture, feed plants and suppress weeds.
- Dark brown or black mulches will contrast nicely with the blue spruce and other plants.
Use natural elements to add depth to the landscape. Place old logs, roots and stumps throughout the garden. Leave the bark on so insects will take up residence. Lizards and birds will appreciate the easy meal.
Tip
Try using native plants and rocks from your own property. Scour roadsides where other gardeners toss out logs, rocks and other garden goodies.
Warning
Ask for help when moving heavy objects.
