PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun to partial shade; tolerates cold, windy Arctic growing conditions
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established in cold climates
Temperature
Extremely cold-hardy; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 25°C which may cause stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round, glossy green leaves (1–2 cm wide) turning bright yellow in autumn
- Stem: Slender, densely branching stems with papery, peeling light brown bark
- Inflorescence: Small male (yellow) and female (greenish) catkins emerging before new leaves
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active spring growth
Fertilization
Light, balanced feed once in early spring. Use organic, low-nitrogen feed to avoid excessive vegetative growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without altering soil pH drasticallyPruning
- Trim back dead, damaged stems in early spring to encourage new, dense growth
- Thin overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk
- Shape lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, mat-forming habit
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ground cover for alpine rock gardens; erosion control in cold, exposed landscapes
