Frangula alnus 'Ron Williams'

RHS Plant Profile

alder buckthorn 'Ron Williams'

Synonyms

Frangula asplenifolia 'Fine Line'
Frangula alnus 'Fine Line'
Rhamnus frangula Fine Line

Shrubs

Buy this from Plant Nurseries
12 Suppliers

A dense and columnar deciduous shrub with very narrow, fern-like, glossy dark green leaves to 10cm long which turn rich yellow in autumn, and clusters of small flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by bright red berries which ripen to black

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H7

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Rhamnaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Columnar upright
Potentially harmful: Humans/Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus: Frangula can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, with simple leaves that often colour well in autumn, and tiny yellowish flowers followed by red or black fruit
Name Status: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Good for woodland or wild garden cultivation.

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings (greenwood) in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
City and courtyard gardens
Wildlife gardens
Hedging and screens

Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free