Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' 12Ltr pot

Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' — 12Ltr Pot

Holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' — the cut-leaved alder — is one of the most elegant of the alders, prized for its finely dissected, feathery foliage that gives the tree an almost oriental grace. The deeply cut, green leaves turn yellow in autumn, and purplish-brown male catkins dangle attractively from bare branches in early spring, followed by small, brown, cone-like fruits that are a valuable winter food source for birds.

A slow-growing tree of conical, slender outline, 'Imperialis' is a natural choice for damp or poorly drained ground where many other trees would struggle — like all alders, it fixes its own nitrogen via root nodules, actively improving the soil it grows in. It's particularly effective planted beside a pond or stream, where its delicate foliage and reflection can be fully appreciated.

Grow in full sun, in moist or even wet soil, including fairly poor ground — this variety is a good option for problem sites but does dislike chalky conditions. It's very hardy (RHS H7) and tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions, needing only minimal pruning, best carried out in late winter to remove any crossed or damaged growth.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch, supplied in a 12-litre pot ready for planting straight into its final position.