Hybrid Poplar (Shade Form) Tree
Description
The Hybrid Poplar Tree is the fast-growing way to quick shade.
Tall, oblong-shaped trees sport large, shiny, dark-green leaves that turn golden-yellow in fall. Inconspicuous reddish-purple flowers. No annoying “cotton” like other cottonwood poplars.
The Hybrid Polar grows 5-8 feet per year once established. Plant single trees 30-35' apart for shade. Plant several trees closer, around 6-10' apart in a line for a lush privacy screen or natural windbreak that controls wind and soil erosion year 'round. Avoid planting near structures, pipes, and drains.
This landscape variety is cold-hardy.
Populus deltoides subspecies deltoides
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | Purple, Red |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 3 - 8 |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 5.5 - 8.0 |
Zone Compatibility
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow shade trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Questions & Answers
I planted 10 of these trees in Mar of 2017. That summer we saw temperatures up to ~105 F. This past winter we had temperatures down to -15 F. All 10 of them came through both extremes like champs and came out of dormancy this spring. So far they have put on another foot+ of growth in 2018 and the growing season is just getting started.
I also propagated some cuttings from these trees this year and the cuttings are doing well too.
Hi Charles,
I wouldn't call it messy. It does drop its leaves in winter. I planted on a small slope with decomposed granite soil, basically, and yet it is doing well. It needs good watering until the roots get to the water table. Pretty Fall color. I live at 5300 feet on a mountain in Southern California, temperatures can drop to 20's, but it comes back every Spring. Tolerates our sometimes hot dry summers. Doesn't create a lot of shade yet. i think in a better soil and closer to the water table it would grow faster and create more shade. I have no insight into whether it's a hard or softwood.
I put mine directly in the ground but I remember needing to dig a foot and a half deep hole with a good foot in diameter so that I could spread the rootlings out. My trees have done wonderfully and grown fast at 7700 feet, winters at 5 degrees F. Only problem has been my horse nibbling and stripping bark, also elk. Good luck.
Fast growing tree for shade once mature. Came as a >2 foot twig and grew to 8’ the first season, ~15’ last season; who knows this season! Requires bracing and support as it’s very “whippy” - should be self supporting by end of this season/start of next.
( hybred poplar ) ?
These can be grown closer together, around 6-10 feet apart, for a wind break.
Light tan
We have clay and it is growing great
I don't know about sandy soil though
Thanks
We are in Idaho and start have frost in September. The leaves begin turning fairly soon and become a light yellow/golden color. After a harder freeze they all come off the trees. Our trees have all overwintered well, even with temperatures falling well below zero.
These do not produce "cotton" like other cottonwood poplars.
Unfortunately our trees are young only 2 years of age and the largest we have is our standard shipping height of 3-4 feet tall.
wind break
The hope is that it will tolerate our climate. It is fast-growing. I hoped to get lance leaf cottonwood or Burr Oak, Patriot Elm, or Hackberry. I am willing to give this Shade Form a try at this…
Fast growing
Fast growing