Iseli® Zafiro Spruce Tree

Gem-blue color in a compact, rounded form

Picea pungens ‘Zafiro’ Iseli® Plant brings lush, gem-like blue needles to gardens where space is limited. It shares the outstanding color of its parent, ‘Moerheim,’ but grows much more slowly, developing a compact, rounded profile that is easy to fit into smaller landscapes.

Use this dwarf evergreen as a year-round accent in foundation beds, rock gardens, mixed borders, or compact yards. Its rich color and tidy habit make it a distinctive alternative to the commonly planted “Dwarf Blue Globe Spruce.”

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Choose a site with full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide, keeping the root flare at or slightly above ground level. Allow room for its rounded form to develop.

2. Watering: Water deeply after planting and regularly during the first growing season, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, it tolerates brief dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture. Avoid soggy soil and standing water.

3. Pruning: Little pruning is needed. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Avoid shearing, which can spoil its naturally rounded profile, and do not cut back into old wood without needles.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring if growth is weak or the soil is poor. Follow label directions and avoid overfertilizing, as this plant’s naturally slow growth is part of its compact character.