Growth Rate
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- Moderate; typically grows 6 to 12 inches per year under optimal conditions.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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No |
Disease resistant
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Yes |
Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
Heat Tolerant
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No |
Drought Tolerant
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No |
Deer Resistant
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No |
Edible
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No |
Wildlife Attraction
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- Birds: Provides habitat and shelter, making it a great addition for bird-friendly gardens.
- Pollinators: While not a primary attractor, it can occasionally attract bees.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Growth Season: Spring to Fall
- Winter Interest: Maintains its lush green color and shape during winter.
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Ideal For
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- Tall Privacy Screens & Hedges – Perfect for narrow urban lots or tight side yards
- Windbreaks – Great for cold-climate wind protection
- Foundation Plantings – Tall but narrow shape suits building perimeters
- Formal Borders – Adds vertical structure to geometric or symmetrical designs
- Winter Interest – Retains lush green color through snowy months
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Leaf Description
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The leaves are scale-like and densely arranged, creating a lush, green canopy. The foliage remains vibrant and healthy-looking throughout the year. |
Flower Description
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- Bloom Time: This variety is primarily valued for its foliage and does not produce significant flowers.
- Flower Details: The plant does not produce showy blooms; the focus is on its beautiful evergreen foliage.
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Planting Instructions
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- How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Position the plant in the center, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall for optimal establishment.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- When to Prune: Late winter to early spring is ideal for shaping and removing any dead or damaged branches.
- Pruning Tips: Minimal pruning is needed; light shaping can help maintain its columnar form.
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Water Needs
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- Water Requirements: Regular watering is important during the first year; once established, it is quite drought-tolerant.
- Frequency: Water weekly during dry spells to keep the soil moderately moist.
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Light Needs
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- Thrives in full sun for best growth and color retention; can tolerate partial shade.
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Harvesting
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- Not applicable; primarily an ornamental plant.
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Fertilizing
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- When to Fertilize: Early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Frequency: Once a year is usually sufficient for healthy growth.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch in spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant to pests; occasional monitoring for scale or bagworm is recommended.
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Pollination
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- Primarily wind-pollinated, though flowering is not significant for this variety.
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Companion Plants
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🌸 Flowering Perennials & Shrubs:- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Bold blooms and upright form contrast well
- Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ – Deep burgundy foliage offsets Skybound’s green
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime’ – Adds seasonal interest and rounded form
🌾 Ornamental Grasses & Groundcovers:- Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ – Cool-toned grass for bold contrast
- Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ – Variegated sedge brightens shaded edges
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Adds height and color with late-season blooms
🌿 Evergreen & Structural Companions:- Buxus (Boxwood) – Pairs well in formal designs
- Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’ – Complements vertical form for layered planting
- Spiraea ‘Goldmound’ – Bright gold foliage adds seasonal contrast
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