About
This very tall and vigorous, fastigiate form of the aspen, thought to originate from Sweden. Male catkins are borne in spring. Its rustling leaves show good autumn colour.
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 hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Care notes
CultivationCultivated for the very rapid growth as a specimen tree and tolerant of any soil other than constantly waterlogged soils. Avoid growing within 40m of buildings as the vigorous root system may damage drains and foundations, particularly on clay soils. It has the potential to become a nuisance
PruningNeeds little pruning, but maybe some formative shaping. Pruning group 1 in late summer to avoid bleeding from pruning cuts; 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