Populus purdomii

Described as "extremely rare in cultivation" by Grimshaw in New Trees, this Chinese species makes a healthy, upright tree with fairly broad, ovate foliage, emerging red flushed in May, after frosts have passed, retaining a red petiole through the season and with splendid, almost pure white undersides. Young trees at the Hillier Gardens look distinctive, stylish and handsome with pale grey bark and although slower growing than modern cultivars, these still 'get on with it', as it were. The young trees at Hillier look like they will make a medium sized tree eventually.