Populus deltoides Purple Tower - Eastern Cottonwood

Populus deltoides 'Purple Tower' is a new cultivar, astonishing with its almost black purple leaves for collectors! It forms a large deciduous tree, not very demanding with rapid growth.                                            

Native to the southern United States, the deltoid leaf Poplar or "new world poplar" gets its name from the triangular shape of its leaves. It was imported and cultivated in Europe for its easy-to-exploit wood. It grows fast and forms long straight trunks. It reaches over 20m (65ft 7in) in height and forms a wide and round crown. Its triangular deciduous leaves measure up to 12cm (4.7in) wide and have dentate margins. It appreciates deep and fertile soils. Cold and heat do not scare it, it is suitable for both the north and the south as long as the soil remains moist. It has a shallow, spreading and powerful root system: it should not be planted near buildings or a drainage system.

The variety of Populus deltoides 'Purple Tower' has a remarkable foliage, which evolves from scarlet red to almost black purple depending on the time of year, with contrasting main veins in blood red. During the summer, the foliage gradually turns dark green, keeping the red veins, and then becomes yellow in autumn. The leaves are wide and have a leathery texture. It can be pruned every year in spring: it can then be maintained at 2m (6ft 7in) high and obtain even larger leaves! Left to grow freely in an open and sunny space, it can form a beautiful specimen isolated or in a group. It can integrate as a discreet charm element in a windbreak hedge: its dark foliage has the effect of pushing the boundaries of the garden by optical illusion!