Populus alba (White Poplar)
A large and spreading deciduous tree with maple-shaped leaves which can measure up to 10 cm. These leaves are a glossy green on top with a woolly, felted white underside which shimmers when caught by the breeze. In autumn the fuzzy white leaves begin to turn a golden yellow, before falling with the first frosts. In winter a strong frame of white and grey bark gives a statuesque silhouette throughout the cold months. It is very adaptable and can be coppiced to create a lower growing multi-stem tree, making it more suitable for smaller spaces, but it may still quickly outgrow an urban garden. The White Poplar will grow pretty much anywhere, from windy coastal situations to wet river banks, and is fully hardy in the UK.
Ultimate height 22m (72ft), Spread 18m (59ft).
Populus balsamifera (Balsam Poplar)
A large deciduous tree with a pyramid shaped crown and a vigorous grown rate. The oval pointed leaves emerge from sticky buds in the Spring, and smell strongly of balsam as they unfurl. The Balsam Poplar is a very tolerant tree, growing well in most situations; it is particularly useful for windy coastal conditions or waterlogged areas where other trees may struggle.
Ultimate height 20m (66ft), Spread 10m (33ft).
Populus Canadensis ‘Robusta’
An large and extremely vigorous deciduous tree with a very straight trunk and an upright narrow canopy when young, broadening out as it matures. The young leaves in Spring have an attractive red-brown colouring, before turning to green over the Summer, and finally yellowing before they drop in the Autumn. Populus ‘Robusta’ is suitable for coastal locations because of its good resistance to wind, and also areas where waterlogging may be a problem. It prefers fertile, loamy soils, and is sensitive to dry conditions and frost.
Ultimate height 30m (100ft), Spread 22m (72ft).
Populus canescens (Grey Poplar)
A large and fast-growing deciduous tree, bearing oval shaped leaves which are a dark glossy green with a felt-like grey underside, turning to shades of yellow in the Autumn. The Grey Poplar is suitable for landscaped areas, in belts of trees or as a solitary specimen where space permits. It prefers moist nutritious soil, but will tolerate drier areas if necessary. It stands up well to windy coastal locations.
Ultimate height 20m (66ft), Spread 15m (49ft).
Populus nigra (Black Poplar)
Fast-growing and deciduous, the Black Poplar is a large, round headed tree with diamond shaped leaves that are green on both surfaces. In the Spring, long red catkins are produced; these are either female or male flowers, and therefore need to be pollinated by the wind for fertilisation to occur. The dense canopy of mid-green leaves light up in Autumn with shades of golden yellow, against the gnarled and burred bark of more mature specimens, giving an elegant silhouette as Winter approaches. The Black Poplar will tolerate just about any soil and conditions, including windy situations.
Ultimate height 25m (82ft), Spread 20m (66ft).
Populus nigra sub. betulifolia (Manchester Poplar)
A large and fast-growing deciduous tree, with an open, spreading habit. The broad head of the Manchester Poplar is densely packed with Birch-like mid green leaves, lightly serrated, with long pink-red stalks; Autumn colour is primarily yellow. Like most Poplars, this variety is very tolerant of windy and wet situations.
Ultimate height 25m (82ft), Spread 20m (66ft).
Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy Poplar)
A tall and extremely vigorous tree with a wonderfully upright habit that makes it perfect for architectural planting. Small diamond shaped leaves, with slightly serrated edges, emerge early in the Spring and are a healthy mid green colour, turning to a fine yellow in Autumn before falling. This Poplar can be planted in a variety of situations, including waterlogged sites and windy locations.
Ultimate height 25m (82ft), Spread 10m (33ft).
Populus tremula (Aspen)
A broadleaf, deciduous native of the UK, Populus tremula is also known as the Quaking Aspen, referring to the fluttering of its leaves in the slightest breeze. Young leaves emerge in shades of copper late in the Spring, and as they mature, they turn green. During the Autumn months, the foliage colours change to a brilliant yellow with some rare shades of red, tending to remain on the tree until the first heavy frost. The Aspen is fast growing, and will thrive in full sun or partial shade; it is extremely accepting of most soil types, and can even be planted in heavy clay soil to improve drainage. Although the tree can withstand strong winds, it is not ideal for a coastal situation.
Ultimate height 25m (82ft), Spread 15m (49ft).
Planting Guide
For further details and pricing, please download our .PDF catalogue using the link below:-
Landford Catalogue 2019.pdf (.PDF file, 259 KB)