Columnar Glossy Buckthorn

Columnar Glossy Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula 'Columnaris')

Columnar Glossy Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula 'Columnaris') is a vertically structured, deciduous shrub also known as Tallhedge Buckthorn. It is prized for its upright, narrowly oval form and dense foliage, making it a useful choice for hedging, screening, or space-efficient vertical accents in the landscape.

Distinctive Features

This fast-growing shrub typically matures at 8 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, forming a tight, columnar silhouette. The dark green, glossy leaves are oval-shaped and maintain their color well throughout the season, turning yellow in fall. Its dense branching habit makes it an excellent screening plant, especially in urban or narrow garden spaces.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of clay
• Soil pH: Adaptable; prefers slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Focal point in formal or contemporary garden designs
• Vertical screen or hedge in tight side yards or property lines
• Backdrops for perennial borders or mixed shrub groupings
• Windbreak or privacy planting with minimal width
• Urban gardens where height is needed without bulk

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape
• Mulch annually to regulate soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Water regularly during establishment; reduce as it matures
• Adaptable to various soils and site conditions
• Fertilize in early spring if growth slows in poor soils

Why Choose Columnar Glossy Buckthorn

• Tall, narrow form is ideal for screens or vertical accents
• Glossy green foliage provides clean structure all season
• Fast-growing and effective in tight or urban spaces
• Cold-hardy and tolerant of a range of conditions
• A practical focal point for structured hedging or height-driven designs

Columnar Glossy Buckthorn offers clean vertical structure and dense foliage, making it a strong focal point or screen where upright form and low-maintenance performance are required.