Picea pungens ‘Bakeri’ – The Striking Silver-Blue Colorado Spruce

With its stiff, spiky needles in icy shades of silver-blue the ‘Bakeri’ cultivar of Colorado spruce makes a spectacular focal point in yards and gardens. This small to mid-sized evergreen tree provides year-round color and texture along with the graceful pyramidal form typical of spruces. Read on to learn more about growing and caring for this stunning ornamental conifer.

Overview of Picea pungens ‘Bakeri’

Picea pungens ‘Bakeri’ commonly called Baker’s blue spruce is a cultivar of the Colorado spruce species native to the Rocky Mountains. It is prized for its striking silver-blue needles that lend a formal, architectural shape.

This spruce typically reaches 12-18 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide when fully mature. It has a conical form with horizontal branching right down to ground level. The stiff, pointed needles are arranged uniformly around the branches and emit a pleasant pine fragrance when crushed.

The tree’s silvery blue needles and symmetrical pyramidal habit make it ideal as a visually striking vertical accent or specimen tree. It also works nicely in groupings and mixes well with broadleaf evergreens.

One of the most popular and sought-after blue spruce cultivars, ‘Bakeri’ thrives with basic care. Its main drawback is potential susceptibility to common conifer pests and diseases.

Growing Conditions for Picea pungens ‘Bakeri’

For best results with ‘Bakeri’ blue spruce, replicate these growing conditions as closely as possible:

• Location – Full sun; light afternoon shade okay
• Soil – Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic
• Water – Medium moisture; avoid prolonged dryness
• Zones – Hardy in zones 3-8

This spruce flourishes in full sun and is adaptable to part sun. Soils should drain well but remain consistently moist. Established trees have some drought tolerance but moisture is crucial when young.

How to Grow and Care for Picea pungens ‘Bakeri’

Follow these tips for successfully growing ‘Bakeri’ blue spruce:

• Select an open, sunny site with adequate airflow and space.
• Prepare soil with compost; amend clay or sand to improve drainage.
• Water 1-2 times weekly until established, then resume normal watering.
• Apply 2-3 inches mulch around base, leaving space near trunk.
• Fertilize in early spring with slow-release granular fertilizer.
• Prune only to remove dead branches, always retain pyramidal shape.
• Monitor for pests like mites, aphids, scale; treat as needed.
• Winter wrap trunks of young trees to prevent animal damage.
• Transplant balled-and-burlapped or containerized trees in spring.

Problems and Pests Affecting Picea pungens ‘Bakeri’

This blue spruce cultivar faces some possible challenges:

• Needle cast – Prevent by promoting air circulation and immediately removing infected needles.

• Cytospora canker – Minimize stress and prune out infected branches.

• Rust – Usually not fatal; promote vigor and remove badly infected needles.

• Mites – Watch for bronzing; mitigate by hosing off foliage to disrupt mites.

• Aphids – Dislodge with strong spray of water; use insecticidal soap if infestation is severe.

• Bagworms – Hand pick bags; apply Bacillus thuringiensis.

Design Uses for Picea pungens ‘Bakeri’

Thanks to its dense, pyramidal form and striking blue color, this spruce is ideal for:

• Accent or specimen tree to display its unique texture and color
• Providing vertical interest in a foundation planting
• Complementing broadleaf evergreens like rhododendrons
• Mixing with other conifers like pine and fir
• Lining a driveway or property border
• Growing in containers or planters on a patio or deck
• Topiary forms like spirals and pom-poms to show off color

Growing ‘Bakeri’ Blue Spruce in Containers

The small to medium size of Picea pungens ‘Bakeri’ makes it an excellent option for container growing. Follow these tips:

• Select a container at least 18-24 inches wide and deep.
• Use a quality potting mix and add slow-release fertilizer.
• Situate in full sun on a deck or patio.
• Water whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry.
• Prune back vigor competitor shoots to maintain shape.
• Protect from harsh winter wind and cold; situate on insulated pot feet.

Thanks to its brilliant silver-blue needles and classic spruce form, Picea pungens ‘Bakeri’ brings year-round color and upright structure to landscapes. Give this special spruce ample sunlight and moisture for best health and growth.