Simon poplar
Populus simonii · Salicaceae
📷 Alain Gérard · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around simon poplar and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- March to April (catkins)
- Adult size
- 15 m in height
- Growth
- Very fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -30 °C
- Origin
- Northern China
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates poor soils
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Simon's Poplar creates vigorous root suckers: plant it far from septic tanks, pipes, and foundations. Every 5-6 years, cut back the main trunk to control height and prevent wind damage.
The common mistake
Planting it too close to a house: roots destroy pipes and concrete, and suckers colonize up to 10 m around.
The pro's trick
In limited urban spaces, choose a prunable variety instead (Populus x canadensis) or skip it altogether: this Poplar becomes a real headache in small spaces.
Care
Sunlight
Simon's Poplar demands full sun to express all its vigor. Plant it in an open location, away from the shadows cast by other trees. It also adapts to partially sunny exposures, but its growth will be less spectacular.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year following planting to establish a good root system. Once established, it tolerates moderate drought periods well thanks to its hardiness. In case of prolonged aridity, a weekly watering will maintain its vigorous foliage.
Soil Preparation
Prepare well-drained soil to prevent root asphyxiation. Simon's Poplar tolerates poor, chalky or slightly acidic soils. Loosen the planting hole and incorporate mature compost if the ground is very compact.
Pruning and Training
Perform light pruning in late winter, before sap rises. Remove dead, diseased or crossing branches to maintain a balanced silhouette. Simon's Poplar requires only minimal intervention: it's a naturally harmonious tree.
Fertilization
No fertilizer is necessary if the soil is of average quality. An application of compost on the surface in spring will gradually enrich the soil. In very poor soil, distribute a balanced fertilizer at bud break.
Health Prevention
Watch for the appearance of cankers or necrosis caused by fungi in very humid conditions. Maintain good air circulation around the tree by removing overloaded internal branches. Avoid injuries during pruning, which are entry points for infections.
Did you know?
Simon's Poplar, introduced from Northern Asia in the 19th century, has become a reforestation champion in mainland China thanks to its lightning-fast growth and robustness. Its ability to stabilize eroded soils has made it a valuable ally in programs combating desertification in the arid regions of northern China.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.