Arctic Blue Willow

November 15, 2024 Post a Comment

Arctic blue willow

Common Characteristics: Blue arctic willow is a medium to tall introduced shrub growing 10 to 20 feet high. It features blue-green leave in pairs, almost opposite that are elliptical in shape and are 2 to 4 inches long. Catkins are small, in almost opposite pairs, and mature in spring before the leaves come out.

What is special about arctic willow?

This willow grows up to 20 centimetres tall, with oval-shaped pointed leaves covered in long hairs that keep the leaves warm. It has very shallow roots because it often lives where the ground is permanently frozen, called “permafrost”. In the spring, it has bright pink flowers.

How much sun does an arctic willow need?

The Dwarf Arctic Willow grows well in all the cooler zones, including zone 3, where winter lows of minus 40 degrees are experienced. It grows best in full sun, but it will easily tolerate light shade for part of the day, and winter shade too.

How do you plant arctic willow?

Plant in a reliably sunny spot. When planting, keep the base of the trunk exposed. Best in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Keep soil moist, watering freely in dry weather.

Where should you not plant a willow tree?

Choose a growing site that receives full sun to partial shade, with moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Pull any weeds and remove any turfgrass and debris. Do not plant near any underground power lines or sewers, since weeping willows have very long roots.

How far from a house should a willow tree be planted?

CAUTION DO NOT plant WILLOW close to buildings, walls, stone structures, drains & septic tanks where their roots may cause damage, as willow needs plenty of water and the roots actively seek it. We suggest a planting distance of 1.5 times the maximum height that the plant will be allowed to grow.

How long do arctic willows live?

It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water.

How does the Arctic willow survive in the cold?

It has also adapted to the permafrost by growing a shallow root system. The leaves of the Salix arctica have also adapted to the cold weather by growing long fuzzy hairs. The Salix arctica is very plentiful in the wild, but is still vulnerable because of the delicate habitat it lives in.

What time of year should I plant a willow tree?

It is a general rule that most trees will establish more quickly if planted in late spring or early fall. However, as long as the weeping willow is planted 6 weeks before the predicted first frost in your growing zone, it should establish well (zones 4-10).

Is arctic willow a perennial?

Arctic willow (Salix arctica) is a slow-growing perennial that can grow from 5 - 13 cm tall. It thrives in arctic conditions and prefers full sun. It blooms in summer and is either male with yellow catkins or female with red catkins.

Can you prune arctic willow?

The trick to keeping it in good form is to allow it to grow through spring and summer without pruning it. Every autumn, cut all stems back to 10 inches (20 cm) above ground. Attempting to flat-top or shape it during the growing season will only ruin its natural form.

Can you plant willow near a house?

Willows grow best in deep, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Some varieties like to grow in very damp soil, near water, but avoid planting near a house, as the root system can invade drains and foundations.

Why are willow trees a problem?

Unlike most other vegetation, willows spread their roots into the bed of a watercourse, slowing the flow of water and reducing aeration. They form thickets which divert water outside the main watercourse or channel, causing flooding and erosion where the creek banks are vulnerable.

Are willow trees high maintenance?

Willow trees are easy to grow and require moderate care. Prune young trees to keep lower limbs up for easier maintenance.

What is negatives of a weeping willow tree?

Should I Plant a Weeping Willow Tree?

They Have an Invasive Root System.
Weeping Willows Prefer the Sun.
These Trees Have a Short Life Span.
You'll Have to Pick Up Twigs Frequently.
They Are Prone to Disease and Insect Problems.

Are willow trees low maintenance?

Willow trees are low to no maintenance once they are established. Willows adapt to most soil and can tolerate wet sites. Newly planted willow trees should be watered deeply 2 to 3 times per week for the first couple months.

Do willow tree roots spread?

It grows very fast; often more than three feet per year. The weeping willow root system can spread up to three times the height of the tree itself, and these shallow roots go on to crack pavement, damage foundations, protrude above the soil, and invade water lines.

Do willow trees need a lot of water?

The trees tend to prefer consistently moist soil, although they can survive periods of drought when they're well established. When they are newly planted, however, weeping willows need water at least every other day.

Do arctic willows need water?

After the first season, Willow Arctic Blue (Salix purpurea Nana) plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.

How do you prune a blue arctic willow?

Just take a saw or loppers and cut all the shoots down to about 2 inches. The severe cutback will induce the plants to send up new shoots that will grow very fast. These year-old shoots also will have their nicest wood color in their first fall and winter. Arctic willow stems will turn purplish.