Populus deltoides 'PURPLE TOWER' eastern cottonwood

In 2011 and 2012 the internet sites, forums, and gardeners’ blogs got flooded by pictures and information about a poplar variety that received gold medal at an international plant exhibition in Moscow in 2011. Its name is Purple Tower and it was bred in Poland. It is protected by Plant Breeders Rights patent No. EU20082911.

Purple Tower is a fascinating variety of eastern cottonwood. It produces enormous leaves, 10-20 cm large, that emerge rich burgundy red or almost purple-black, and mature deep green with purple hues and rich red stalks, veins, and midribs. Meanwhile new leaves are formed at tops of the branches so that plant keeps its colourful appeal all season long. In autumn they turn rich amber-orange.

It grows strictly upright and left unpruned it might reach the size of its parent plant, so pruning is recommended for keeping it smaller. Commonly, pollarding is suggested to keep this plant beautiful: in early spring cut back last year’s canes leaving only about 10 cm or so. The plant will have much stronger root system every year which will be able to transport more and more energy up the plant which will result in extra large leaves on deep burgundy black canes. Also, it will get bushier every year and you can easily control its size.

Poplar (cottonwood) is widely soil adaptable. It will grow in almost any but waterlogged soil, but fertile, deep, and evenly moist soil is best. Grow it in full sun for rich foliage colour. Hardy to about -35°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 09-02-2013; 14-12-2013