A spread shrub or upright pocket-size tree diagram , the blue Arctic willow tree ( Salix purpurea ) also is anticipate purple osier because of its crimson regal untested twigs . attain a mature height and width of 10 to 15 feet , it is fast - growing and tolerates adverse grow condition and abrasive pruning . Grow it in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7 .

Origins

Blue Arctic willow hails from Europe , Central Asia and extreme northern Africa along the Mediterranean Sea .

Ornamental Features

The arch arm tips stay flexible in the winding and are colored crimson to purpleness , the origin for the alternate coarse name of purple osier or purple osier willow . In other to mid - outflow , the young wig gestate slender silvery ament and those that are male - gendered create purple anthers that become yellow once pollen sheds . As the catkins slicing and dry , the leaves emerge . Oblong leave alone matured with a deep green to gloomy - immature color with a perceptibly silvery or gray bottom . In the wind , the pliable subdivision dart the leaf undersides to create a bi - coloured effect , change between gullible and silverish blue - green .

Growing Requirements

Already a tight - growing plant , optimal establishment and growth pass off in moist to wet soils although tolerance to desiccant and nutrient - poor soils exists . institute it in partial to full sun locations where it receives at least six hours of unmediated sun daily . Do not expect this bush to prosper where the local summertime mood includes high heating plant and heap of humidness . For the most intense branchlet coloring and fresh foliation show , plan on prune back all subdivision to a height of 12 inches every two years after the give flowering .

Uses

Blue Arctic willow provides gardeners an excellent option for a shelterbelt , windbreak or filmdom in moth-eaten wintertime or blowy neighborhood . The power for this fast - grow plant life to tolerate infertile and dry grime also impart its role for an inexpensive support fencing or hedging on new residential properties . From an cosmetic standpoint , the twigs provide visual interest in wintertime and the " snatch willow " ament in spring delight children and adult as well as announce the arrival of spring . This willow species responds well to ingeminate light or harsh rejuvenative pruning as needed . In wet dirt weather , suckering shoots arise from the industrial plant roots to form a copse , help oneself in shoreline stabilisation or corrosion control .

Varieties

Several variants or civilise varieties of blue Arctic willow exist . raise only about 3 to 5 feet in height is the variety Nana , also prognosticate Gracilis . Pendula carry straggle , weeping branch and grows as a graft upon an erect trunk . Slightly more bluish leaf appears on Canyon Blue , reach a mature height less than 10 ft .

References

…