Digging deeperPlant Library

Dwarf Arctic Willow

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Dwarf Arctic Willow foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Description:

A beautiful and popular garden shrub with fine foliage, fine whip-like branches and a consistent, rounded habit of growth; quite hardy, takes pruning well; use for its form and texture to create interest in the garden

Ornamental Features

Dwarf Arctic Willow has bluish-green deciduous foliage on a plant with a round habit of growth. The narrow leaves turn yellow in fall. The smooth bark and deep purple branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Dwarf Arctic Willow is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dwarf Arctic Willow is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Dwarf Arctic Willow will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.