About
Purple Tower' is a fast-growing, upright, deciduous tree that may ultimately reach 30m but can be kept smaller with annual pruning. Red male or green female catkins are produced by mature trees in early spring. The glossy, triangular foliage is rich, bronzy red-purple and balsam-scented when young.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationCultivated for the very rapid growth as a specimen tree; tolerates most soils except those that are constantly waterlogged and best in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid growing within 40m of buildings as the vigorous root system may damage drains and foundations, particularly in clay soils and has the potential to become a nuisance
PruningPruning group 1 in late summer to avoid bleeding from pruning cuts, established trees need little pruning: sucker removal in autumn or winter
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in winter and suckers in autumn or late 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