This week's email comes to you with a taste of Italy, alongside a tree that’s perfectly twinned with small cups of espresso outside on a Spring morning. Or a lazy afternoon sipping Brunello, the wood fired pizza oven warming freshly kneaded dough topped with cheesy delights.
But then again, maybe it’s best paired with a small tipple of limoncello as the day retreats and the cooling arrival of evening necessitates the imbibing of something warming. Whatever Italian delicacy you choose, your scenic backdrop will be fit for purpose with this pioneer native from the mountains of Southern Italy…
ALNUS cordata - Italian Alder
The glossy, dark green, heart shaped leaves arrive early in Spring before most other deciduous trees and are one of the last to lose their leaves in Autumn. The yellow-brown catkins that appear make for a slightly whimsical appearance that can have you smiling to yourself. The conical form establishes itself quickly, as this is a fast growing tree. Also, tolerant of a range of conditions, including damp sites.
- Hardy deciduous
- Suitable for avenue and street plantings, even screening if pruned.
- Grows up to 10x5m
Photo: ALNUS cordata – Italian Alder, in 45L container, 3m height, 3 years old.
If you want to take a closer look at how the Italian Alder can help create a world of beauty, then there’s no need to travel all the way to Italy to view it. Millbrook Resort uses them in their landscape. It’s a great place to indulge in some of those Italian delicacies too.
