Balm of Gilead

Populus × canadensis 'Aurora'

Balm of Gilead - Populus × canadensis 'Aurora'

Common Name: Balm of Gilead
Genus: Populus
Species: × canadensis
Cultivar: 'Aurora'

Category: Trees
Growth Rate: Fast growing
Features: Has interesting foliage, Has fragrant flowers/foliage

Hardiness: HardyHeight: 25.00 m (2500 cm)
Sun/Shade: Full sunSpread: 10.00 m (1000 cm)

Foliage Type: DeciduousFlower Colour: Green
Foliage Colour: Green, Cream, PinkFlowering Period: March

Soil Type: Normal/Loam or Sandy/Light or Chalky/Alkaline
Soil Moisture: Dry, well drained or Moist, but well drained

A columnar deciduous tree with striking leaves which are conspicuously marked white, cream and pink when young turning green as they mature. As the heart-shaped leaves unfurl they smell strongly of balsam, scenting the spring air. In March it produces green female catkins. An attractive tree which is ideal for most gardens as it is best pruned hard each February to encourage the colourful new growth.

  • Garden care: Prune hard in late winter to encourage colourful new growth. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. When planting, incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole.

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