Rhamnus frangula Fine Line
alder buckthorn 'Ron Williams'
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
Synonyms
Frangula asplenifolia 'Fine Line'Frangula alnus 'Fine Line'
see moreRhamnus frangula Fine Line
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | Red | |
| Autumn | Yellow | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
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.