The Alder is a native, fast growing, deciduous species that's particularly well suited to wet sites. Its young buds are a bit sticky (hence it's Latin name) but develop into a nice dark, glossy leaf
- & generally where it is grown in wet sites, it keeps it's leaves in autumn for a considerably longer time than most other deciduous species. The other big advantage of Alder is that it's roots fix nitrogen in the soil
- so it enhances soil quality over time & is especially useful in areas with poor soil quality. Alder has slender male, reddish brown catkins & a female fruit which is hard, darker in colour & shaped like a very small pine cone
- these female fruits often stay on the bushes throughout most of winter & look very attractive. Flowers early March-late May. Grows 60cm+ per year. Supplied in 2 litre pots. Potted Plants are a more developed plant as their root systems are not disturbed during the lifting & planting process. They can be planted year round & if necessary can be left in their pots for several weeks before planting if you are unsure as to when you will be able to get round to doing the work; all they need is a little water to keep them happy. As more mature plants you dont need quite as many per metre as the bare root plants (normally 3 to 5 would suffice depending on how dense you require your hedge & how quickly you need it to look established). Pots are a great way to create a new hedge effect more quickly.