Populus
Poplar
- Height × spread
- 2.5m – 26m × 1.5m – 15m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are 35 species of these deciduous trees. They are generally unsuited to the domestic garden since they have questing roots and generally get rather large. A number of them make superb landscape trees such as the white leaves of Populus alba and its smaller more amenable cultivar 'Richardii' that has curious golden yellow foliage. The slender Populus nigra 'Italica' is a superb tree for avenues. The species include the renowned silver barked trees of the American west that include Populus tremuloides. Other notable forms are the balsam scented poplar, Populus balsamifera, and the poplar with trembling foliage Populus tremula. There are many hybrids and cultivars of this tree.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Green, Grey, Red, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Grey, Pink, White, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Column, Cone, Oval, Weeping
- Height
- 2.5m – 26m
- Spread
- 1.5m – 15m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
More Populus
Populus alba
White poplar, Abele, Silver leafed poplar
Populus alba 'Richardii'
White poplar, Abele, Silver leafed poplar
Populus balsamifera
Balsam poplar, Hackmatack, Tacamahac
Populus nigra
Black poplar
Populus nigra 'Italica'
Lombardy poplar, Italian poplar, Pyramidal poplar, Black poplar
Populus tremula
Aspen, Quaking aspen
Populus tremula 'Pendula'
Weeping aspen, Aspen, Quaking aspen
Populus x canadensis 'Aurea'
Golden poplar, Canadian poplar, Black italian poplar, Carolina poplar