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Frangula alnus (Alder buckthorn)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
5m
Max height
Max height
5m
Max spread
Max spread
20-50 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Frangula alnus
Other names
Alder buckthorn, Black alder, Rhamnus frangula, Glossy buckthorn, Tallhedge Buckthorn
Genus
Frangula Frangula
Species
F. alnus - F. alnus is a bushy, spreading, deciduous shrub with oval to rounded, glossy, veined, dark green leaves turning yellow or red in autumn, and, in late spring and early summer, clusters of small, green flowers followed by round, fleshy, red fruit that ripens black.
Frangula alnus is: Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading
Toxicity
All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
Flower
Green in Spring; Green in Summer
Foliage
Red, Yellow in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Frangula alnus (Alder buckthorn) will reach a height of 5m and a spread of 5m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Wildflower, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grows in moist soils in sun or partial shade. Suitable for use as a hedge or for attracting wildlife. Considered an invasive species in many areas of North America.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Frangula alnus
Other names
Alder buckthorn, Black alder, Rhamnus frangula, Glossy buckthorn, Tallhedge Buckthorn
Genus
Frangula Frangula
Species
F. alnus - F. alnus is a bushy, spreading, deciduous shrub with oval to rounded, glossy, veined, dark green leaves turning yellow or red in autumn, and, in late spring and early summer, clusters of small, green flowers followed by round, fleshy, red fruit that ripens black.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading
Toxicity
All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
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Colour
Flower
Green in Spring; Green in Summer
Foliage
Red, Yellow in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Frangula alnus (Alder buckthorn) will reach a height of 5m and a spread of 5m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Wildflower, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grows in moist soils in sun or partial shade. Suitable for use as a hedge or for attracting wildlife. Considered an invasive species in many areas of North America.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
M&G Investments, the title sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, commissioned designer Andy Sturgeon (Best in Show winner 2010 and 2016) to create this incredible garden. read more
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