Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Picea pungens 'Mrs. Cesarini'
Mrs. Cesarini Colorado Spruce
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 3 to 4 feet
- Flower color
- Non-flowering variety
- Foliage color
- Soft green-blue needles with orange new shoots in late winter to early spring
- Bloom time
- Not applicable (conifer)
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; slow-growing
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Provides shelter for small wildlife
About this plant
Picea pungens 'Mrs. Cesarini', a dwarf Colorado blue spruce, is a slow-growing, evergreen conifer known for its compact, globose form. Over time, it develops a low, wide cushion-like shape. Its dense, short branches are adorned with soft green-blue needles, complemented by vibrant orange new shoots in late winter to early spring, creating a beautiful seasonal contrast. This conifer originated from a witch's broom discovered by Joe Cesarini in New York during the late 1970's. Its manageable size and distinctive aesthetic make it ideal for rock gardens, container planting, or small landscapes.
This cultivar thrives in full sun, tolerating cold climates and occasional dry conditions. Native to North America's Rocky Mountains, the species is adapted to a range of soils, including those with limestone, and offers an elegant and unique touch to any garden.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Containers · Rock Gardens · Native Gardens
Companion plants
Yarrows · Caryopteris · Sea holly · Rock rose · Penstemon · Blue fescue
Design tip
Use ‘Mrs. Cesarini’ as a low sculptural accent, allowing its broad, cushion-like form to create a strong horizontal element in the landscape. The orange new shoots bring a brief burst of warmth to the soft green-blue foliage in late winter and early spring.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the Oregon Display Garden at Monrovia.
