About
In spring, male catkins are red and female, green. Exceptionally fast-growing, large spreading, deciduous tree to about 20-25m tall, with a broad crown, usually planted for timber production. Rounded to triangular leaves, very large on young trees, are fresh green on top and greyish-white and downy underneath with yellow 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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationCultivated for their very rapid growth as specimen trees and useful for windbreaks. Tolerant of any soil other than constantly waterlogged soils. Avoid growing within 40m of buildings as the vigorous root systems may damage drains and foundations, particularly on clay soils. It has the potential to become a nuisance
PruningPruning group 1 in late summer to avoid bleeding from pruning cuts but established trees need little pruning
PropagationPropagate from hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf damage from leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus