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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Picea pungens 'Mrs. Cesarini'

Mrs. Cesarini Colorado Spruce

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Not applicable (conifer)

Find this plant

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.