Populus deltoides 'Purple Tower'PBR
cottonwood 'Purple Tower'
'Purple Tower' is a fast-growing, upright, deciduous tree that may ultimately reach 30m but can be kept smaller with annual pruning. The glossy, triangular foliage is rich, bronzy red-purple and balsam-scented when young. Red male or green female catkins are produced by mature trees in early spring
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | Bronze Purple Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Bronze Purple Red | |||
| Autumn | Bronze Purple Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Cultivated for the very very rapid growth as a specimen tree; tolerates most soils except those that are constantly waterlogged and best in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid growing within 40m of buildings as the vigorous root system may damage drains and foundations, particularly in clay soils and has the potential to become a nuisance
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter and suckers in autumn or late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1 in late summer to avoid bleeding from pruning cuts, established trees need little pruning: sucker removal in autumn or winter
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.