About
Richardii' is a spreading, suckering, deciduous tree to about 12m with lobed leaves, greenish-yellow above, felted white beneath, and felted white young shoots. In early spring produces green female or red male catkins.
About the genus
Populus are deciduous trees, mostly very fast-growing and large, with male and female catkins on separate trees, opening before the leaves. Male catkins are the more ornamental, female ones can be a nuisance from the cottony, wind-blown seeds
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationBest in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, but tolerates both damp and dry soils
PruningPruning group 1 or pruning group 7 for best foliage effect
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus