How to Grow Lombardy Poplar - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Lombardy poplar is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is often used as a ornamental or shade tree. The lombardy poplar can grow up to 50 feet tall and 25 feet wide. The tree is characterized by its long, slender leaves and pyramid-shaped growth habit. The lombardy poplar is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America and other parts of the world.

How to Grow Lombardy Poplar - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Lombardy Poplar
  • European White Poplar
  • Pyramidal Poplar
  • Columnar Poplar
  • Fastigiate Poplar

Basic info

  • Lombardy poplar is a species of poplar tree that is native to parts of Europe and western Asia.
  • It is a fast-growing tree and has been used for centuries as a source of wood for construction and paper-making.
  • Lombardy poplar is named after the Italian region of Lombardy, where the tree is commonly found.
  • The tree can grow to a height of 30-50 metres (100-160 feet) and has a trunk diameter of up to 5 metres (5 feet).
  • The leaves of the Lombardy poplar are large, triangular and deeply lobed.
  • The tree produces small, yellow-green flowers which appear in May or June.
  • The Lombardy poplar is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate trees.
  • The fruit of the Lombardy poplar is a small, greenish-yellow capsule which contains numerous tiny seeds.
  • The Lombardy poplar is a popular tree for planting in urban areas as it is tolerant of pollution and compacted soils.
  • The wood of the Lombardy poplar is strong and durable, making it ideal for use in furniture and flooring.

How to Grow

  1. For lombardy poplar, first step is to start off with a pencil-thin sapling.
  2. Once you have your Lombardy poplar sapling, find a sunny spot in your yard that has well-drained soil.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the sapling’s roots.
  4. Place the sapling in the hole and fill in around it with soil, packing it gently.
  5. Water the soil around the Lombardy poplar sapling well.
  6. Stake the Lombardy poplar sapling if necessary.
  7. Fertilize the Lombardy poplar sapling once per year using a balanced fertilizer.
  8. water the Lombardy poplar tree regularly during the first growing season to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  9. Prune the Lombardy poplar tree as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful Lombardy poplar tree!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica') prefers deep, rich, moist soil but is adaptable to other soil types. It is not drought tolerant. This tree also has a high transpiration rate and will not tolerate prolonged periods of soil saturation.

Light requirement

Just like other trees, the Lombardy poplar needs sunlight to grow. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially when it is young. This tree does best in full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade. It is a fast-growing tree, so it can quickly fill in any gaps in your landscape.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions in Lombardy are ideal for the growth of Lombardy poplar trees. The Lombardy poplar is a species of poplar tree that is native to the Lombardy region of Italy. The tree is tolerant of a wide range of temperature conditions, and it is able to thrive in both hot and cold climates. The Lombardy poplar is a fast-growing tree, and it can reach a height of up to 30 meters (100 feet). The tree has a conical shape, and the leaves are oval-shaped and green in color. The Lombardy poplar is an ornamental tree, and it is often planted in parks and gardens.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity rises above 80%, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this kind of plant need, is a special one for poplars. The Lombardy poplar is, in general, a veryfast-growing tree. It has been known to grow up to 10 feet in a single season. However, the growth rate is usually much slower. This deciduous tree can attain a height of 50–70 feet and a trunk diameter of 2–3 feet in twenty to thirty years. Lombardy poplar is one of the best trees for planting as a windbreak.

Plant Pruning

Pruning lombardy poplars is important to their overall health and vigor. Lombardy poplars are fast-growing trees and will quickly outgrow their space if not pruned on a regular basis. Regular pruning will also help to maintain the tree's desired shape and size. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches first. Then, remove any branches that are growing in an unwanted direction. Finally, trim back any branches that are overcrowding or rubbing against other branches.

The Propagation

Propagation of the Lombardy poplar is typically done by rooting cuttings taken from the desired plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft, and they should be placed in a moistened soil mix. Rooting hormone can be applied to the cuttings to encourage root growth. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate between 3 and 5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) annually. Young trees may grow more rapidly, sometimes as much as 10 feet (3 m) in a year. Once they reach 20-30 years old, growth rates usually slow to about 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 m) per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are related to its aggressive and invasive roots. The roots can damage sewer lines and foundations, and the tree can quickly become a nuisance. Lombardy poplar is also prone to canker diseases, which can kill the tree.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your Lombardy poplar regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.
  • Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
  • Use a fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs.
  • Prune the tree regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming too large.
  • Place the tree in an area that receives full sun.
  • Protect the tree from strong winds by planting it in a sheltered location.
  • Be sure to mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture in the soil.
  • Inspect the tree regularly for any signs of pests or diseases and treat accordingly.
  • When planting a Lombardy poplar, be sure to space it at least 20 feet away from any structures or other trees.
  • Keep in mind that Lombardy poplars can grow to be quite large, so be prepared to provide adequate room for the tree to grow

Related Plants

  • Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')
  • Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')
  • Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')
  • Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')
  • Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')
  • Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')
  • Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')
  • Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')
  • Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')

Source:
Lombardy Poplar - Populus nigra ‘Italica’ - PNW Plants
Lombardy Poplar - Colorado Master Gardener
Lombardy poplar - WWU Tree Tour

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category