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Populus alba - White Poplar

Populus alba
White Poplar, Silver-leaved Poplar, Abele, Abbey, Dutch Beech, Silver-leaved Poplar, White Asp

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39
From €3.90 Bare root

Available in 2 sizes

13
From €45.00 3L/4L pot
6
From €55.00 7.5L/10L pot

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A medium to large-sized poplar tree, which is very decorative with the white underside of its leaves, while the upper side is dark green. Particularly ornamental in windy conditions, its foliage also takes on a beautiful golden hue in autumn. This tree is particularly adaptable, rooting in most types of soil, from neutral to calcareous and even slightly salty. It grows spontaneously along watercourses and is also capable of withstanding dry conditions once well established. Very hardy, it is a fast-growing young plant.
Height at maturity
25 m
Spread at maturity
15 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -34°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, October to November
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Flowering time March to April
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Description

Populus alba, also known as the Dutch Beech, White Poplar, or Silver-leaved Poplar, is a fast-growing tree of a medium to large size and with a more or less conical habit. Its grey-white trunk is not without interest, but it is its leaves, with their truly white undersides, that give it its name. Very hardy, it also withstands heat well, and while it appreciates humidity and the proximity of water sources, it is also quite resistant to drought once well established. An interesting tree for the back of borders or as an avenue tree in large spaces. 

The White Poplar belongs to the Salicaceae family, whose two most well-known genera are Willows and Poplars, but which also includes some ornamental members with a more limited distribution, such as Idesia or Azara.
It is native to central and southern Europe, central and western Asia. This species is found in many areas including North Africa, as well as in colder climates of central Europe, demonstrating its great climatic adaptability. It is a tree that enjoys sunlight, preferring neutral to alkaline soils and growing at low altitudes ,less than 900 m (2953ft). It prefers to be planted in wet locations, such as riverbanks, but it also tolerates relatively dry soils better than other species in the genus. In its natural habitat, it reaches heights of 20 to 30 m (66 to 98ft), with a habit that can be either erect and conical, or slightly spreading with a rounded crown.

This botanical species has spread to parks and gardens because it has a number of advantages. Its tolerance to different types of soils and climates makes it an easy plant to grow, even by the seaside as it tolerates salt spray well. From an ornamental point of view, it is attractive with its deciduous foliage, dark green on the upper surface and covered with a white fuzz on the undersides, which gives its foliage a silvery hue when the wind blows through the leaves. The alternate leaves are medium-sized ,6 to 12 cm (2 to 5in), and usually divided into 3 to 5 lobes, but they exhibit a highly pronounced polymorphism: some can be almost oval.  A dioecious plant, individuals are either female or male.  Blooming occurs in March-April, in the form of large hairy catkins, whitish-grey in female subjects (later producing 6 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long spikes of fruits), and red in males.
The trunk has a light, whitish-grey colour that is aesthetic and as it ages, curious diamond-shaped pores appear on the bark surface. It grows rapidly, especially in the first few years, reaching 25 to 30 m (82 to 98ft) in height and 12 to 15 m (39 to 49ft) in spread. Equipped with a powerful and shallow root system, it can produce suckers. It is advisable not to plant it too close to a dwelling ,keep a safe distance of 15 to 20 m (49 to 66ft), and it is therefore more suitable for a large garden.  It can live for several centuries, sometimes developing multiple trunks. This tree is very hardy to -30°C.

Due to its size and suckering habit,  Populus alba is suitable for large spaces, where it can be planted as a specimen tree, in large hedges, or along the edge of a pond. Its silvery foliage can then be reflected in the water, creating a romantic scene. In these moist conditions, it can be accompanied by Alnus glutinosa Imperialis, a compact alder with astonishing finely-cut foliage resembling that of a fern. In the foreground, Gunnera manicata, or Giant Brazilian Rhubarb, will create a contrast with its gigantic leaves. This moderately hardy perennial can tolerate cold climates provided it is given winter protection for the stump.

Populus alba - White Poplar in pictures

Populus alba - White Poplar (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 25 m
Spread at maturity 15 m
Habit conical, pyramidal
Growth rate fast
Suckering/invasive plant

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time March to April
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Populus

Species

alba

Family

Salicaceae

Other common names

White Poplar, Silver-leaved Poplar, Abele, Abbey, Dutch Beech, Silver-leaved Poplar, White Asp

Origin

Central Europe

Product reference18477

Other Populus - Poplar

Out of stock
From €3.90 Bare root

Available in 3 sizes

6
From €55.00 7.5L/10L pot
Out of stock
€5.50 Bare root
39
From €3.90 Bare root

Available in 2 sizes

13
From €45.00 3L/4L pot

Planting and care

Plant Populus alba in neutral to calcareous, loose and light, or even clay or heavy soil. It likes moist to wet soils, such as riverbanks, but tolerates relatively dry conditions better than other species, even tolerating sea spray and slightly salty soils. However, it requires a well-sunlit position.
It should be planted away from buildings, as its root system is very extensive. Dig a hole which is 50 cm (20in) in all dimensions and add leaf compost or ericaceous compost to the existing soil. Soak the root ball in a bucket for 20 minutes, place it in the hole, backfill, and water abundantly. During the first two years, it is advisable to water it regularly to promote root growth, and then only during periods of drought.
If necessary, perform maintenance pruning before foliage appears, removing diseased or dead wood and crossing branches.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, October to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, ordinary, well-prepared

Care

Pruning instructions If necessary, carry out pruning before foliage appears, removing diseased or dead wood and crossing branches.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time February
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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