In the ongoing taxonomic debate, we have once again changed the way we list this spruce. Previously, following the example of Hortus III, it was listed as P. alcoquiana var. alcoquiana . Now the World Conifer Data Pool has released a new checklist endorsing the use of P. bicolor. A tight, pyramidal conifer, the needles are green above with blue underneath. Possibly this is where the name bicolor originated. It is a beautiful, large growing conifer that is not commonly seen. This is something different for your garden, taxonomically correct or not.