Fern Leaf Buckthorn Fine Line

Arguably one of the most architectural deciduous shrubs available, this sleek, non-invasive columnar selection introduces elegant vertical interest and delicate texture to the garden design. Its defining feature is its remarkably airy, feathery foliage, consisting of long, slender, ribbon-like leaves. This fern-like curtain of deep green is closely packed along tightly upright, vertical branches, delivering a wonderfully structural silhouette. As Spring yields to Summer, discreet clusters of tiny, greenish-yellow blossoms appear, later developing into small berries that transition from red to black by Autumn. Though the blooms are modest, they are a magnet for local pollinators, while the foliage later transforms into a brilliant pillar of clear gold before dropping. Given its naturally slender, space-saving habit, Frangula alnus Fine Line acts as an excellent vertical accent for tight urban courtyards, an elegant focal point in a mixed bed, or a slim, low-maintenance privacy screen. This cultivar is superbly adapted to Irish growing conditions; resilient in both exposed inland positions and damp maritime air. Because it maintains its neat, pencil-thin shape completely on its own, it requires virtually no pruning or shearing to keep its crisp, tidy appearance year after year.

Site: Tolerates coastal and inland exposure
Soil: Highly adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained, fertile ground but handles damp clay much better than most shrubs.
Position: Full sun, tolerates partial shade
Season of Interest: Delicate, tactile green foliage throughout Summer; spectacular buttery-gold leaf display in Autumn.
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 6-8ft (2m - 2.5m) Spread: 2-3ft (0.6-0.9m)

Image 1 by Leonora (Ellie) Enking cropped, and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Image 2 by Sten Porse cropped, and licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0