Royal Alder (Alnus Glutinosa Imperialis) is an ideal choice of an unusual tree for a wet site. It is a cut-leaved form of the common alder, and it has all the advantages of that robust species. Soil that is saturated for part of each year suits it very well. The nitrogen fixing nodules found on the roots of the species also occur on the roots of the cultivar, so it can live in very poor conditions.

This is a light green summer foliage feature. Its leaves are deeply cut giving a lacy or even misty look especially when it is planted beside water. The best results are achieved where it is used in mixture with other trees and shrubs. Royal Alder (Alnus Glutinosa Imperialis) is the arborial equivalent of the Gypsophila in a bouquet of roses. Royal alder was first cultivated in 1859, probably as a selection of ‘Laciniata’, a stronger growing cut-leaved alder selected in France before 1819.

Like most ornamental trees, Cut Leaved Alder trees do not require much pruning once they have established. Simply remove any crossing, damaged or diseased branches. Prune in late winter or the early spring. If you think the canopy is overcrowded, make sure to alleviate the branches to ensure enough air and light can penetrate. Alder trees produce their own nitrogen so they do not require fertiliser, only a consistently moist soil.

For more Alder trees click here

All our stock if “lifted” to order, which means that they are “lifted” and packed the same day and sent off so delivery is made the following day hence you receive them as fresh as possible. They are well packed and they are able to stay in the bags they arrive in for up to 7/10 days out of any frosts but it is advisable to plant bareroot trees as soon as possible. We are able to give you a suitable delivery date after the order has been placed when we email your order of acknowledgement to you. Unlike other nurseries who usually say within 3-5 days we can give you a definite day.

As soon as we receive your order we can usually send these out within the week. We use a courier and a signature will be required UNLESS you inform us (in the comments box) of where you would like your goods left safely should you not be at home. It is possible to select a day (apart from week-ends and Fridays) when ordering.

Delivery Charges

We will send you a delivery date via email when we receive your order.

Very SMALL ORDERS between quantities of 1-15 in size 40/60 can usually be sent out via ROYAL MAIL (UK mainland only) for as little as £8.00. Your basket will still show £15.00 plus vat for delivery charge BUT if you put in the COMMENTS BOX that you wish delivery by ROYAL MAIL we can pick this up and change the payment when the order is submitted . All other order are priced as:-

• Orders up to £75 – delivery £15 plus vat
• £76 – £200 – delivery £22 plus vat
• £201 – £300 – delivery £30 plus vat
• £301 – £500 – delivery £40 plus vat
• £501 – £1000 – delivery £45 plus vat
• £1001 plus – delivery £50 plus vat

Scotland Grampians/Highlands do carry an extra delivery charge according to our couriers – we can advise on this extra charge.

Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Northern and Southern Ireland. It is possible for us to arrange delivery to these areas but we would have to arrange the cost with our couriers so please contact our office 01452 832100.