Bareroot Rhamnus frangula (Alder Buckthorn)

A versatile deciduous shrub or small tree that brings subtle charm to gardens with its glossy oval leaves and attractive berries that change colour as they ripen from red to deep purple black. Clusters of small, pale green flowers appear along the stems in summer, followed by the decorative fruits that attract various bird species. The smooth grey bark develops interesting silver streaks with age, adding winter interest when the leaves have fallen. Thriving in damp soils and partial shade, it's particularly useful for wildlife gardens, informal hedges or woodland edge plantings where its tolerance of poor drainage and shady conditions proves valuable. Though not showy, its understated beauty and ecological benefits make it a practical choice for naturalistic landscapes and difficult sites.

Family of Trees: Rhamnaceae

Habit: Deciduous Shrub/Tree, Suitable for Hedging

Growth Rate: 30-50 cm/year

Optimal Temperature: 10-25°C, hardy to -30°C

Harmful if Eaten?: Berries toxic

Flowers or Berries: Greenish Flowers, Red/Black Berries

Hardiness: H7 (Extremely Hardy)

Hardiness ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

○ H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
○ H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
○ H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
○ H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
○ H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
○ H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
○ H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
○ H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
○ H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)