Blue arctic willow is a plant that is native to the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a shrub that can grow to be about 3 meters tall and has blue-green leaves. The blue arctic willow is an important plant in the Arctic because it is one of the few plants that can grow in the harsh conditions there. It is an important food source for animals and provides shelter for them as well.
Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Nanho Blue
Related plant:
Blue Roses Plant
About soil condition, the blue arctic willow thrives in moist to wet soils, with a high organic matter content. It grows best in acidic soils, but can tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline soils. The blue arctic willow is very tolerant of salt and can grow in salt-affected soils.
So, like the other willows, the blue arctic willow requires full sun to partial sun in order to grow properly. This means that it should be planted in an area where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It is also important to make sure that the soil is moist and well-drained, as the willow will not tolerate sitting in water.
The temperature condition for blue arctic willow is that it can withstand very cold temperatures and does not require a lot of heat to thrive. This plant is native to North America and Europe and can be found in the coldest parts of these continents.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. They will do best in areas with high humidity but can tolerate lower humidity if necessary. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will begin to brown and curl. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will begin to yellow and drop off.
Mentioning fertilizer, this plant is not at all demanding and will do just fine even if you neglect it a little. It is, however, advisable to give it some fertilizer in the spring, to help it produce lots of new leaves. The roots of the blue arctic willow are deep and strong, so it can withstand strong winds and heavy snowfalls.
Pruning is important for the health of your blue arctic willow. Pruning will encourage new growth, and will also help to control the size and shape of your plant. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Propagation is generally done by cuttings taken in late spring or early summer, as the plant is just beginning to grow vigorously. The cuttings should be 3-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. Cut just below a node, and remove the lower leaves. Place the cuttings in a moist, well-drained soil mix. Rooting hormone may improve the success rate. Place the pot in a bright, warm location out of direct sunlight, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate studies have found that plants located closer to the Arctic Circle grew more slowly than those located further south. However, a study published in 2016 found that the opposite was true for plants located in low-lying, coastal areas - plants in these areas grew more quickly than those located in inland, higher-lying areas. The reason for this is likely due to the fact that coastal areas are warmer than inland areas, and thus the plants are able to photosynthesize for a longer period of time each day.
Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, caterpillars, and sawflies. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, and they can strip the leaves from the plant. Sawflies are small, non-stinging wasps that lay their eggs on the plant. The larvae of sawflies feed on the leaves, causing them to turn brown and die.
Source:
Willow, A New Old Crop - Cornell Small Farms
Willow | The Art Institute of Chicago
Willowleaf bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana - Wisconsin
