UK Stock / Quick Postage

Recyclable Packaging

Bee & Insect Friendly

UK Aspen Tree 20/40cm (Cell)

Populus tremula

£14.55

The UK Aspen, Populus tremula, is a captivating deciduous tree known for its trembling leaves that create a mesmerizing effect in the slightest breeze. It features smooth, pale grey bark and nearly round leaves that turn golden in autumn. This native tree is ideal for wildlife gardens, woodland edges, and naturalistic planting schemes, offering year-round interest and ecological value.

· · ·
  • ✓ Distinctive trembling leaves create a mesmerizing effect in the breeze
  • ✓ Smooth, pale grey bark provides winter interest in the landscape
  • ✓ Brilliant golden yellow autumn foliage for seasonal color
  • ✓ Excellent for wildlife, supporting various insect and bird species
  • ✓ Quality UK grown stock from Yarrow Gardens - DEFRA Registered Supplier

In stock - Usually dispatched within a few days

£14.55
1 item
£12.37
2 - 4 items
£12.08
5 - 9 items
£11.79
10 - 24 items
£10.91
25+ items

Feel free to call 01257 752247 or email us if you would prefer to order on the phone or have any questions. Trade / wholesale enquiries are welcome.

The UK Aspen, Populus tremula, is a captivating deciduous tree native to cool temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Known for its distinctive trembling leaves, this aspen species brings a unique dynamism to woodlands and gardens alike. The tree is characterized by its smooth, pale grey bark that darkens and becomes fissured with age. Its leaves are nearly round to ovate, with irregular teeth along the margins, and are attached to the branches by distinctively flattened petioles. This flattened structure allows the leaves to quiver in even the slightest breeze, creating a mesmerizing rustling sound and flickering light effect that has inspired poets and artists for centuries. In autumn, the foliage turns a brilliant golden yellow, offering a spectacular seasonal display.

UK Aspens typically grow to heights of 15-25 metres, though they can occasionally reach up to 30 metres in ideal conditions. They have a moderate growth rate and tend to form a rounded to oval crown. One of the most fascinating aspects of Populus tremula is its ability to reproduce through root suckers, often forming extensive clonal colonies that can cover large areas and persist for thousands of years.

The tree’s flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. Male and female catkins are borne on separate trees (the species is dioecious), with the male catkins being grey and pendulous, and the female ones green and more upright. These catkins provide an important early food source for pollinating insects.

Gardeners and ecologists often choose UK Aspens for their ability to colonize open areas quickly and their value to wildlife. The tree supports a wide range of insects, including many moth species, and provides food and habitat for various birds and mammals. In ecological restoration projects, it can serve as a pioneer species, helping to establish woodland conditions that allow other species to thrive.

In landscaping, the UK Aspen can be used to create stunning visual effects. Its trembling leaves catch the light beautifully, adding movement and interest to garden designs. The tree’s pale bark provides winter interest and can be particularly striking when planted in groups or against darker backgrounds.

For those interested in native planting schemes or creating wildlife-friendly gardens, the UK Aspen is an excellent choice. It’s a tree that connects us to our natural heritage while providing valuable ecosystem services.

Its trembling leaves, autumn colour, and value for wildlife make it a worthwhile addition to suitable landscapes or conservation projects.

Caring for UK Aspens is relatively straightforward. Plant them in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. They prefer moist, well-drained soils but can adapt to a variety of soil conditions. Water regularly when first planted to help establish a strong root system. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but will appreciate deep watering during prolonged dry spells. Fertilisation is generally not necessary unless the soil is particularly poor. Pruning should focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Be aware of their suckering habit – if you want to control spread, you may need to remove suckers regularly. UK Aspens are generally hardy and resistant to many pests and diseases. In garden settings, consider planting them where their root suckers won’t cause issues with other plantings or structures.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres

Season of Interest

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Sunlight

Partial Sun


Pot Size

Cell

Foliage

Deciduous

Foliage Colour

Green

Hardiness

-15°C to -10°C (H5)

When Mature

Watering

Moderate

Preferred Soil Type

Any well drained soil


British Native
British Native


Our deep cell trays are a smart strategy for cultivating trees with strong and deep root systems. This leads to healthier and more resilient trees that are better prepared for transplantation and long-term growth in your garden.

Extended Planting Season

Cell grown trees offer a significantly broader planting window, allowing for planting almost year-round in certain conditions. This flexibility ensures easier scheduling and enhances tree establishment due to warmer soil and more favourable weather conditions, extending beyond the traditional planting season.

Robust Root System

The roots of cell grown trees are encased and safeguarded within compost, preventing the young fibrous roots from drying out or sustaining damage. This intact root system, with its uniform and manageable shape, facilitates straightforward planting.

Convenient Storage

These trees can be effortlessly stored outdoors before planting, eliminating the need for labour-intensive temporary planting (heeling in) or costly refrigerated storage.

Ease of Handling and Planting

The extended shelf life of cell grown trees means there’s no immediate urgency to plant. Their user-friendly root system increases the likelihood of successful planting. These characteristics make them ideal for planting by novices or volunteers.

High Survival Rate

The intact root system of cell grown trees significantly boosts their chances of successful establishment, virtually removing the need for expensive replanting (beating up).

Cost-Effectiveness

While the initial purchase price of cell grown trees may be slightly higher than bare-root stock for some species, the long-term savings achieved by reducing the need for replacing failed transplants than compensates for the initial minor cost difference.

No plastic waste

Trees are often supplied plastic pots that are difficult to recycle, especially the black pots. We rely on our customers to reuse these where possible, however these cell grown trees do not have plastic pots – saving any reuse & recycling concerns.

Delivery
Yarrow Gardens aim to have your order with you in fastest time possible and safest method of transport. Dependent on the parcel size and geographical destination in mind with will select the most suitable courier.

You are welcome to collect any times from our nursery in Euxton, Lancashire. Please contact us to arrange a suitable date and time.

With regret, we can no longer send items out to Northern Ireland. All live plants need a phytosanitary checks and DAERA must be notified. This process is simply too expensive at the moment.

Read more

Returns
In the rare instance that your item has been damaged during delivery or incorrectly shipped by us, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss the return and replacement of your item.

Once you have contacted us and we have confirmation that your parcel is on its way back to us we will be happy to issue a refund for the return postage.

Read more

Delivery charges will be based on the highest applicable rate from our rate table, determined by the items in your order.
Alternatively, we offer the option to collect your items in person by prior arrangement.
These prices are based on delivery to UK Mainland. Delivery to Highlands & Islands will be more.
Delivery Class Delivery Cost
Royal Mail Letter - Royal Mail Tracked £3.25 (Flat)
Royal Mail Letter - Royal Mail Second Class £0.95 (Flat)
Royal Mail Large Letter - Royal Mail Tracked £3.25 (Flat)
Royal Mail Large Letter - Royal Mail Second Class £2.10 (Flat)
Standard Items - Standard Courier (Parcelforce) £7.95 (Flat)This item
Standard Items - Standard Courier (Evri) £4.49 (Flat)This item
Medium Items - Standard Courier (Parcelforce) £7.95 (Flat)
Large Items - Pallet Courier £90.00 (Flat)
Large Items - Standard Courier (Parcelforce) £28.95 (Flat)
Large Items - Standard Courier (Parcel Force) £24.95 (Flat)
Pallet Courier - Pallet Courier£90.00 (Flat)

We are a small family business based in Euxton, West Lancashire. We specialise in the supply of trees, shrubs both bare root & cell grown. Much of our stock is grown directly on site from seed or cuttings. Other stock is all UK sourced where possible.

We adhere to industry leading biosecurity measures, this ensures that our nursery remains clean and disease free.

We are DEFRA registered and our nursery is regularly inspected to confirm compliance with all current plant and plant health regulations.

Our Plant Passport Registration Number is GB140010

You can view our Plant Healthy report here.

We are actively working towards the Grown in Britain certification along with the Plant Healthy certification.

Should you have any concern or question in respect of our plant health matters, please get in touch.