Best Blue Conifers: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Tree

If you're looking for a stunning addition to your garden or landscaping project, consider a blue conifer. With their unique color and texture, these trees stand out and make a statement. But with so many different types of blue conifers available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this guide, we'll take a look at some of the best blue conifers on the market and what makes them stand out from the rest.

The Benefits of Blue Conifers

Before we dive into our list of the best blue conifers, let's take a moment to talk about why these trees are such a great choice. For ers, blue conifers add a pop of color to your landscape that is hard to achieve with other types of trees. They also have a unique texture that makes them stand out from other types of evergreens. Additionally, blue conifers are typically low-maintenance and don't require a lot of upkeep, making them a great choice for busy homeowners who still want a beautiful garden.

Top 15 Best Blue Conifers

1. Blue Spruce

The blue spruce is perhaps the most well-known blue conifer, and for good reason. Its striking blue-green needles and iconic cone shape make it a standout tree in any landscape. Plus, it's hardy and can withstand a variety of climates.

Characteristics

- Blue-green needles that give the tree its signature look
- Cone-shaped growth habit
- Hardy and able to tolerate a variety of climates

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

2. Blue Atlas Cedar

The blue atlas cedar is a large, majestic tree that is sure to impress. Its blue-green needles and unique growth habit make it a standout choice for any garden or landscaping project.

Characteristics

- Large tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall
- Blue-green needles that have a soft, feathery texture
- Unique growth habit with branches that spread out horizontally

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of room for growth
- Water deeply and regularly
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

3. Blue Pacific Juniper

If you're looking for a smaller blue conifer, the blue pacific juniper is an excellent choice. This low-growing shrub has beautiful blue-green needles and a spreading growth habit that makes it perfect for ground cover.

Characteristics

- Low-growing shrub that typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet
- Spreading growth habit that makes it perfect for ground cover
- Blue-green needles that provide a stunning pop of color

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

4. Blue Globe Spruce

If you're looking for a blue spruce that stays small and compact, the blue globe spruce is an excellent choice. This dwarf conifer has all the beauty of a full-sized blue spruce but in a more manageable size.

Characteristics

- Dwarf conifer that typically reaches a height of 3-5 feet
- Globe-shaped growth habit that makes it perfect for containers or small gardens
- Blue-green needles that provide a beautiful pop of color

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

5. Blue Arrow Juniper

The blue arrow juniper is a tall, slender conifer with beautiful blue-green needles. Its unique growth habit makes it perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden or landscape.

Characteristics

- Tall, slender conifer that can reach a height of 10-15 feet
- Unique growth habit with branches that grow straight up
- Blue-green needles that add a pop of color to any landscape

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

6. Blue Star Juniper

The blue star juniper is a low-growing shrub with stunning blue-grey needles. Its dense growth habit makes it perfect for ground cover or as a border plant.

Characteristics

- Low-growing shrub that typically reaches a height of 1-2 feet
- Dense growth habit that makes it perfect for ground cover or borders
- Blue-grey needles that provide a unique look

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

7. Blue Ice Arizona Cypress

The blue ice arizona cypress is a stunning tree with beautiful blue-grey foliage. Its unique texture and color make it a standout choice for any garden or landscape.

Characteristics

- Medium-sized tree that can reach a height of 20-30 feet
- Unique blue-grey foliage that provides a striking look
- Tolerates a variety of soils and climates

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

8. Blue Star Redwood

The blue star redwood is a unique conifer with blue-grey needles and a spreading growth habit. It's perfect for adding texture and color to your landscape.

Characteristics

- Small tree that typically reaches a height of 10-15 feet
- Spreading growth habit that makes it perfect for ground cover or borders
- Blue-grey needles that provide a unique look

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

9. Blue Diamond Spruce

The blue diamond spruce is a stunning evergreen with blue-green needles and a dense growth habit. It's perfect for creating a privacy screen or windbreak.

Characteristics

- Large tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall
- Blue-green needles that provide a stunning look
- Dense growth habit that makes it perfect for a privacy screen or windbreak

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

10. Blue Shag Eastern White Pine

The blue shag eastern white pine is a unique conifer with blue-grey needles and a shaggy texture. It's perfect for adding texture and color to your landscape.

Characteristics

- Medium-sized tree that can reach a height of 20-30 feet
- Blue-grey needles with a shaggy texture
- Tolerates a variety of soils and climates

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

11. Colorado Blue Spruce

The Colorado blue spruce is a classic blue conifer with beautiful blue-green needles and a pyramid shape. It's perfect for creating a focal point in your garden or landscaping project.

Characteristics

- Large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall
- Blue-green needles that give the tree its signature look
- Pyramid shape that makes it perfect for a focal point

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

12. Blue Arrow Rocky Mountain Juniper

The blue arrow rocky mountain juniper is a tall, slender conifer with beautiful blue-grey foliage. Its unique growth habit makes it perfect for creating a vertical element in your garden.

Characteristics

- Tall, slender conifer that can reach a height of 15-20 feet
- Blue-grey foliage that provides a unique look
- Unique growth habit with branches that grow straight up

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

13. Blue Oat Grass

While not technically a tree, blue oat grass is a stunning ornamental grass with blue-grey foliage. It's perfect for adding texture and color to your landscape.

Characteristics

- Ornamental grass that typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet
- Blue-grey foliage that provides a unique look
- Tolerates a variety of soils and climates

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Trim back in late winter or early spring to promote new growth

14. Blue Rug Juniper

The blue rug juniper is a low-growing shrub with beautiful blue-grey foliage. Its dense growth habit makes it perfect for ground cover or as a border plant.

Characteristics

- Low-growing shrub that typically reaches a height of 1-2 feet
- Dense growth habit that makes it perfect for ground cover or borders
- Blue-grey foliage that provides a unique look

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health

15. Blue Atlas Cedar 'Glauca'

The blue atlas cedar 'glauca' is a stunning tree with blue-green needles and a unique growth habit. It's perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden or landscape.

Characteristics

- Large tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall
- Blue-green needles that have a soft, feathery texture
- Unique growth habit with branches that spread out horizontally

Care Tips

- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of room for growth
- Water deeply and regularly
- Prune as needed to maintain shape and health


There are many different types of blue conifers available, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. Whether you're looking for a tall, majestic tree or a low-growing shrub, there's a blue conifer out there that is perfect for your needs. By considering factors such as size, growth habit, and color, you can choose the perfect blue conifer for your garden or landscaping project.

FAQs

Q1: Are blue conifers difficult to care for?

A: No, blue conifers are typically low-maintenance and don't require a lot of upkeep. However, it's important to plant them in well-draining soil and water them regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.

Q2: Can blue conifers tolerate cold climates?

A: Yes, many types of blue conifers are hardy and can withstand a variety of climates, including cold temperatures.

Q3: How often should I prune my blue conifer?

A: This will depend on the specific type of blue conifer you have. Generally speaking, you should prune as needed to maintain the tree's shape and health.

Q4: Can I plant a blue conifer in a container?

A: Yes, many types of blue conifers can be planted in containers. Just make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the tree's growth.

Q5: Do blue conifers attract pests or diseases?

A: Like all plants, blue conifers can be susceptible to pests and diseases. However, if you plant them in well-draining soil and take proper care of them, they are less likely to experience problems.