Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Alnus cordata
Italian Alder
I hold the RHS | Award of Garden Merit
Alnus cordata, the Italian alder, is a vigorous upright tree with glossy, heart-shaped deep green leaves, long yellow spring catkins and small cone-like fruits. Particularly useful on difficult damp ground, it tolerates poor drainage and can make a fast-growing screen where there is enough room for a tree eventually exceeding 12m.
✅ Excellent tolerance of damp and poorly drained ground
✅ Fast-growing option for tall screening
⚠️ Eventually becomes a large tree over 12m
Plant Details
Flowering Months
Size
- Max Height
- 12.0 m +
- Max Spread
- 4.0 m — 8.0 m
- Growth Habit
- Tall, narrow growth habit with strongly vertical main stems.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Full Sun
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North South East West
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Exposed / Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
-
(−20 to −15 °C) Very cold-hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable / Poorly-drained / Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
-
- Hedging / Screening
- Merits
-
- Low Maintenance
- RHS | Award Of Garden Merit
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