Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Mountain time
Blue Spruce (Colorado Spruce) vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)
Picea pungens
Cotoneaster lucidus
Blue Spruce, also known as Colorado Spruce, is our best selling tree! People are attracted to the distinctive blue-green color of this hardy evergreen. But Blue Spruce really stands out because it is tough, long lived, and adapted to a wide range of growing conditions. Blue Spruce trees are ideally suited for use in shelterbelts, privacy screens, or as accent trees.
Please note: our Blue Spruce are grown from seed and the needles vary in color from green to blue.
The Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) is a dense, deciduous shrub that gets its name from the glossy dark green leaves that turn an eye-catching mix of red and purple in the fall.
It produces small, pink flowers in spring and by late summer they are followed by red berries that ripen to black. This plant is great for attracting wildlife as it is loved by both birds and butterflies.
While the Shiny Cotoneaster does produce berries, they are inedible to humans. This plant takes pruning and shearing well, making it easy to shape to your liking and is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in your yard.
Blue Spruce (Colorado Spruce) Quick Facts
Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts
In row spacing: 3 - 4 m (10 - 12 ft)
Toxicity: may cause stomach upset