Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis'
cut-leaved alder
A graceful, slow-growing medium-sized tree with a conical outline and finely cut, fern-like foliage that emerges with a purple tint...
12 litre pot | 1.6m tall
£164.99
available to order from late spring
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Plant description
A graceful, slow-growing medium-sized tree with a conical outline and finely cut, fern-like foliage that emerges with a purple tint in spring before turning green in summer and yellow in autumn. Male catkins appear in spring followed by small, cone-like fruits that attract birds. Noted for thriving in poor, wet conditions, 'Imperialis' is ideal for areas with exposure or difficult drainage. Its nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil fertility without supplementary fertiliser (beyond a healthy scoop of organic matter in the planting hole and backfill). With its resilient nature, cascading oriental-feel foliage, and wildlife value, this cut leaved alder makes a unique ornamental focal point for small, wet sites.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Slow growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Alnus glutinosa Imperialis:
When planting, water new trees thoroughly and regularly for the first few months to establish roots. Monitor and increase watering during hot/dry periods especially during the first growing season - alders do not like their roots to dry out. Prune in late winter to remove crossed, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin overcrowded branches to allow air/light penetration. Alder trees fix their own nitrogen so supplementary fertiliser (beyond plenty of organic matter in the planting hole and backfill) is unnecessary. Provide consistently moist soil and the tree will thrive.
Please note:
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
