About
A large, vigorous, narrowly columnar deciduous tree to 30m tall, with vivid green ovate leaves and crimson male catkins before the leaves open in early spring.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soils but avoid planting in vicinity of buildings due to vigorous root system; it has the potential to become a nuisance. Very useful as a screen or as part of a shelter belt and grows very rapidly
PruningPruning group 1; sucker removal in autumn or winter
PropagationPropagate from hardwood cuttings in winter or 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