Growth Rate
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- Speed: Moderate grower.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 12-15 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, forming a tall, narrow column that works well in tight spaces.
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Flowering
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No |
Disease resistant
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No |
Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
Deer Resistant
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Yes |
Edible
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No |
Wildlife Attraction
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- Attracts: Birds may be attracted to the small, berry-like cones it produces, which provide a winter food source.
- 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 interest with its silvery-blue foliage.
- Winter Interest: Foliage maintains its vibrant color throughout winter.
- Flowering Season: Not typically grown for its flowers, which are inconspicuous.
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
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Ideal For
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- Hedges and screening
- Specimen planting
- Vertical accents
- Small garden spaces
- Low-maintenance landscapes
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Silvery-blue, needle-like foliage.
- Form: Dense, upright branches with scale-like leaves that form a tight, narrow columnar shape.
- Winter Interest: Foliage retains its rich color year-round, including during the winter months.
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Flower Description
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- Color: Small, yellowish-green flowers.
- Form: Tiny, inconspicuous flowers appear in spring.
- Bloom Time: Spring.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall for optimal root establishment.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, rocky, and poor soils. Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart for a hedge or screen, or 4-5 feet apart when used as a specimen plant.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring if needed to shape the plant or control its size.
- Method: Minimal pruning required. Trim back any overgrowth or damaged branches to maintain a neat, formal appearance.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Blue Arrow is 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. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is recommended for the best foliage color and growth.
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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, Blue Arrow is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in dry conditions, making it ideal for low-water landscapes.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free, but may occasionally suffer from spider mites or fungal diseases if grown in overly wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation and proper drainage to prevent issues.
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Pollination
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- Pollination Type: Pollinated by wind. Blue Arrow produces small, berry-like cones after pollination, which may attract birds.
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Companion Plants
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- Ornamental Grasses
- Lavender
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Sedum
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