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Populus lasiocarpa

Chinese necklace poplar

A large deciduous tree to 20m tall, the handsome ovate leaves up to 30cm long, with conspicuous crimson stalks and midribs. Yellow male, or green female catkins to 25cm long open in spring

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Brown Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Cultivated for very rapid growth as a specimen tree; useful as windbreaks. This species will tolerate most soils except those that are constantly waterlogged and in full sun. 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 by hardwood cuttings in winter and from suckers in autumn or late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
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

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