Alder Tree | Alnus glutinosa
A wet ground lover!
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
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Plant diary
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Alder Tree
Alnus glutinosa
- Some plants are fussy when it comes to the conditions they need - the alder? Not a chance. This easygoing legend laughs at the prospect of wet, boggy soil. In fact, it actively welcomes it.
- Often used in land reclamation thanks to that ability to thrive in poor conditions, as well as their nitrogen-fixing properties, the alder is an oft-overlooked tree when it comes to the home garden.
- With lush green, rounded leaves, charming catkins and dainty little cones just to top it all off, this fast-growing superstar has everything going for it.
- Its attractive, broadly pyramidal/conical habit becomes more pronounced over time, and growing to well over 12m if left to its own devices, this tree is a great option as a screening plant.
- Did you know? Because of its rot-resistant properties when submerged in water, much of Venice is built upon wooden piles made from alder, stilll functioning as well today as they did when the city was first built over 1,600 years ago.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
While possible in a very large container (80cm+) initially, Alder Tree is a large, vigorous tree and is not suited to long-term pot cultivation. It should be planted in the ground after 1-3 years.
How big does it get?
The Alder Tree typically reaches a height of 15 to 20 metres, with a spread of 8 to 10 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Alder Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Alder Tree prefers moist to wet soil and can thrive in poorly drained areas. It is very hardy and can tolerate soil temperatures down to -15°C. A 5cm to 10cm layer of mulch helps retain moisture.
How much watering does this plant need?
Alder Tree is a thirsty plant that requires frequent watering, needing approximately 20 to 30 litres per week. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist to wet, and water generously when temperatures exceed 20°C.
Will this plant need pruning?
Alder Tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring while dormant.
How hardy is this plant?
The alder is incredibly hardy with an RHS rating of H7, surviving temperatures colder than -20°C in severe climates and exposed upland locations.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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