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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names Manchester poplar downy black poplar
Family Salicaceae
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
Details P. nigra subsp. betulifolia is a bushy deciduous tree to 30m tall, with rough, dark grey bark, downy young shoots, triangular to ovate leaves 10cm long, and red male or green female catkins in early spring
Plant range Europe
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Bushy
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H6
Full Sun
Aspect South-facing or East-facing or North-facing or West-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Loam
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Loam
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height Higher than 12 metres
Ultimate spread wider than 8 metres
Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
Cultivation Cultivated for very rapid growth as specimen tree; useful for windbreaks. Tolerant of any soil other than constantly waterlogged soils. Avoid growing within 40m of buildings as the vigorous root system may damage drains and foundations, particularly on clay soils; has the potential to become a nuisance
Propagation Propagate from hardwood cuttings in winter or suckers in autumn or late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types Coastal
Pruning Pruning group 1 in summer to avoid bleeding from pruning cuts. Established trees need little pruning; sucker removal in autumn or winter
Pests Leaves may be eaten by leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars
Diseases Susceptible to poplar bacterial canker and tree rusts, plus honey fungus and silver leaf
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