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Growth Rate
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- Speed: Moderate grower.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 4-6 inches in height and spreads up to 6-8 feet wide, forming a dense, ground-hugging mat.
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Flowering
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No |
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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- Attracts: Birds may be attracted to the small, berry-like cones it produces.
- Wildlife Resistant: Deer-resistant and unbothered by most wildlife.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Foliage Season: Evergreen; provides year-round color.
- Winter Interest: Foliage turns purplish in winter, adding extra color during the colder months.
- Flowering Season: Not grown for flowers; flowers are inconspicuous.
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
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Ideal For
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- Groundcover
- Rock gardens
- Erosion control on slopes
- Xeriscaping (drought-tolerant gardens)
- Borders and foundation plantings
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Silvery-blue, needle-like foliage.
- Form: Dense, scale-like foliage that forms a low, spreading mat. In winter, the foliage takes on a purple tint.
- Texture: Soft, feathery texture that adds interest to any landscape.
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Flower Description
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- Color: Tiny, inconspicuous yellowish flowers.
- Form: Small flowers appear in spring but are not ornamental.
- Bloom Time: Spring.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil, and is adaptable to sandy or rocky soils. Tolerates poor soil conditions as long as drainage is good.
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow for mature spread when used as groundcover or erosion control.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Prune in early spring to shape the plant if necessary or to control its spread.
- Method: Minimal pruning required. Trim back any overgrowth or damaged branches as needed.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Icee Blue is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
- Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Mulching can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
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Light Needs
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- Thrives in full sun for the best foliage color and health. Can tolerate light shade, but too much shade may reduce the intensity of its blue coloration.
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Fertilizing
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- Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring to support new growth.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or an acidic fertilizer suited for evergreens.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Icee Blue is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in dry conditions. It requires minimal watering in low-water gardens.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free, but may occasionally suffer from spider mites or fungal issues if grown in overly wet conditions.
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Pollination
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- Pollination Type: Pollinated by wind. Icee Blue produces small, berry-like cones after pollination, which can attract birds.
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Companion Plants
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- Ornamental Grasses
- Sedum
- Lavender
- Creeping Thyme
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