Alaska Birch

Arctic Dwarf Birch should be watered sparingly, as they enjoy dry conditions. They should be watered deeply, but only once or twice a month. To determine if the plant needs water, look for drooping leaves or footprints left in the soil. If the soil is dry down to an inch or so, water evenly until it begins to trickle from the drainage hole. Depending on weather conditions, Arctic Dwarf Birch may need to be watered more frequently in periods of extreme heat and less frequently in cooler climates.

The Arctic Dwarf Birch is native to Northern Scandinavia, Russia, Northern areas of North America and Greenland. It prefers sunny locations and is found in areas with short growing seasons and cold temperatures. The Arctic Dwarf Birch does best in direct sunlight for 10-12 hours a day, exposed to a minimum of 8 hours of daylight and an additional 4-6 hours of bright light from the moon and stars. Due to its cold-hardy nature, the Arctic Dwarf Birch is able to tolerate short days and even deep shade. However, for best results, it should be placed in sunny parts of the garden during the spring and mid-summer months. During the summer solstice (June 20-22), the Arctic Dwarf Birch should receive the greatest amount of daylight possible.

Arctic Dwarf Birch should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before the plant starts putting out leaves or begins growing. It is best to prune branches that are too long or out of shape, and to remove any dead or diseased branches. Generally, pruning should not exceed 1-third of the total height or width of the tree in a single season. Prune branches to a level that promotes growth in the desired direction and removes unneeded side branches. Pruning the center of the tree can also help open it up the canopy and allow more sunlight to reach the lower branches.