Alaska mist Plant Care

Alaska mist (Romanzoffia unalaschcensis var. glabriuscula) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Romanzoffia genus. Alaska mist is native to Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Alaska mist is also known as Unalaska romanzoffia.

Alaska mist displays a low mat-forming groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Alaska mist produces small white or pink bell-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alaska mist every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Alaska mist thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Alaska mist in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Romanzoffia unalaschcensis var. glabriuscula tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Alaska mist prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Alaska mist to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alaska mist every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining sandy soil with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alaska mist is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Alaska mist can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Alaska mist while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Alaska mist is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alaska mist can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to california mist maiden plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Alaska mist is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Alaska mist grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Alaska mist is native to Aleutian Islands, Alaska. In cooler regions, grow Alaska mist as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.