Salix brachycarpa 'Blue Fox'

• Pollinators: The yellow catkins of 'Blue Fox' attract pollinators, particularly early-season bees. These catkins provide a much-needed food source for bees emerging from winter.
  
• Birds: 'Blue Fox' also provides shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds. The dense foliage and branches make it a great habitat for nesting during the warmer months.
  
  Wildlife Habitat: It is an excellent plant for creating a wildlife-friendly garden, offering both food (via pollen) and shelter.

• Spring to Summer: 'Blue Fox' produces its iconic yellow male catkins in early spring, bringing visual interest to the garden before the leaves appear. As the weather warms, the plant’s blue-green leaves emerge and provide lush coverage through the summer. This shrub thrives in moist conditions, making it perfect for pond-side plantings or areas with heavy rainfall.
  
• Fall: In the fall, the leaves begin to transition to a soft yellow hue before shedding for winter. The plant remains visually appealing due to its unique form, even without the leaves.
  
  Winter: 'Blue Fox' enters dormancy in winter, leaving behind its sleek, bare branches. The form of the plant still adds structure and interest to the garden, particularly when dusted with snow.

• Leaves: 'Blue Fox' has striking blue-green leaves that are narrow, elongated, and finely serrated. The foliage has a soft, silky texture that provides an elegant contrast to the catkins in early spring. As the growing season progresses, the leaves become more vibrant, creating a lush, dense shrub.
  
• Fall Color: The leaves turn a soft yellow in the fall before dropping, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
  
• Texture: The leaves are smooth with a slightly silvery underside, giving the plant a unique two-toned appearance.
  
  

• Flower Description: 'Blue Fox' produces small, furry yellow male catkins in early spring. These are the characteristic "pussy willows," which appear before the leaves. These soft, fluffy catkins give the plant a whimsical, silvery appearance, making it a standout feature in early spring.
  
  Flower Longevity: The catkins last for a few weeks in early spring, gradually turning into seeds after the pollen is dispersed. While the plant’s flowers don’t last long, they signal the arrival of spring and bring early-season color to the garden.

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant 'Blue Fox' is in early spring or fall. Spring planting allows the plant to establish its roots before the summer heat, while fall planting gives it time to settle before winter.
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with moist, well-drained soil. 'Blue Fox' thrives in areas that are consistently wet or near water sources like ponds or streams. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
  Spacing: Space plants about 3–4 feet apart to allow for mature growth and air circulation.

• Pruning Time: Prune 'Blue Fox' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will help the plant maintain a neat form and encourage healthy, vigorous growth.
  
• Pruning Tips: Prune to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Light pruning after flowering may help maintain its shape, but be cautious not to prune too much, as this could reduce the next season’s catkin production.
  
  Maintenance Pruning: Regular pruning of older wood will help promote fresh, young growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant.

• Watering: 'Blue Fox' requires regular watering and thrives in wet soil. This willow is perfect for planting near ponds or in rain gardens where moisture is abundant. Water deeply to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods.
  
• Drought Tolerance: This plant is not drought-tolerant and requires consistent moisture. It performs best in areas where the soil remains consistently moist throughout the growing season.
  
  Watering Tip: Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely. If planting in areas with heavy rainfall, ensure the plant is not in a waterlogged spot, as overly soggy conditions can harm the roots.

• 'Blue Fox' grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For optimal growth and flowering, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  
• Shade Tolerance: While it can handle some shade, 'Blue Fox' will produce fewer flowers and grow less vigorously in low-light conditions.
  
  

While 'Blue Fox' is primarily grown for its ornamental value, the willow branches can be harvested for use in crafts, floral arrangements, or as cuttings for propagation. The catkins can also be left to mature into rose hips, which can provide food for birds in the winter months.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy new growth. 'Blue Fox' generally doesn't require much fertilizer, but a light application in the early spring will help the plant flourish.
  
• Fertilizer Tip: Avoid heavy fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth at the expense of flowers. Organic compost is an excellent alternative for fertilizing if you're looking for a more natural option.
  
  

'Blue Fox' is wind-pollinated and does not require another plant for pollination. However, planting it alongside other willows or pollinator-friendly plants can enhance biodiversity and attract more wildlife to your garden.

• Perennials: Pair with perennial plants like Hosta, Astilbe, or Lobelia for added texture and contrasting colors.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with shrubs like Viburnum, Spiraea, or Weigela for a multi-layered garden effect.
  
• Aquatic Plants: 'Blue Fox' is an excellent companion for pond-side or rain garden plantings. Consider pairing it with aquatic plants like Water Lily, Iris, or Pickerel Rush.