Populus simonii – Simon Poplar

Name: Populus simonii – Simon Poplar
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 250.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

1000 in stock

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 2.5m - 3.2m approx.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Populus simonii – Simon Poplar

Populus simonii, commonly known as Simon Poplar, is a deciduous tree with a narrow, upright habit and a strong central leader. It carries glossy green, triangular to diamond-shaped leaves on fine branching, forming a tall, vertical silhouette. In autumn the foliage turns yellow before leaf drop.

It performs best in full sun and suits well-drained soils with reliable moisture during establishment. Populus simonii is suited to cool temperate and inland climates and tolerates frost, wind exposure, and periods of dryness once established. Maintenance is typically limited to formative pruning when young and removal of any damaged limbs.

They look excellent when used for windbreaks, screening, boundary planting, and avenues in large residential and commercial landscapes. This species is commonly specified where fast establishment and a narrow, upright form are required for vertical structure and shelter.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Populus simonii – Simon Poplar is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 12–15 metres

Mature Width: 4–6 metres

Populus simonii – Simon Poplar is expected to grow 1–2m per year (fast).

Frost Tolerance

Is Populus simonii – Simon Poplar frost tolerant?

Populus simonii – Simon Poplar is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Flowering Information

Populus simonii does not produce ornamental flowers. It forms small, inconspicuous catkins in spring, with the tree valued instead for its rapid growth, upright form and distinctive heart-shaped foliage rather than its flowering display.

Native Information

Is Populus simonii – Simon Poplar an Australian Native? No

Populus simonii – Simon Poplar is Native to Northern China and Mongolia, where Populus simonii grows naturally across cool inland regions and open woodland landscapes.

Wildlife Value

Its dense canopy and branching structure provide shelter and nesting habitat for small birds, while the foliage supports a range of beneficial insects. This structural habitat helps strengthen local biodiversity, particularly in larger gardens and open landscapes where fast-growing trees play an important ecological role.

Sunlight Information

Populus simonii – Simon Poplar will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Populus simonii performs best in well-drained loam soils with consistent moisture and a neutral pH. It will also tolerate sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to improve water retention. Avoid very dry, compacted or poorly drained sites unless improved, as these conditions can limit growth and longevity. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then reduce watering as the tree matures.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Simon Poplar

Genus: Populus

Botanical Species: Simonii

Family: Salicaceae

Botanical Name: Populus simonii

Landscape Uses

Screening or Privacy
Windbreak
Avenue Planting

Populus simonii – Simon Poplar works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to stabilise soil moisture.
Stake in windy sites to support straight establishment.
Continue regular watering through the first summer to build root depth.

Feature Planting: Spacing 4m - 6m
Screening: Spacing 1m - 1.5m
Avenue Planting: Spacing 5m - 7m

Water regularly during establishment, then deeply during extended dry periods.
Prune lightly when young to develop a strong central leader and clear structure.
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring if required for growth and canopy density.

Loamy soils: Ideal for consistent growth and establishment.
Clay soils: Suitable where drainage is improved and sites are not waterlogged.
Sandy soils: Planting is possible with added organic matter to improve moisture retention during establishment.

Populus simonii – Simon Poplar is expected to grow 1–2m per year (fast).

Fast Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Adelaide Hills & Barossa
Adelaide Metro & Coastal

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular deep watering to establish a strong root system. Once established, Populus simonii shows moderate drought tolerance, performing reliably through dry periods when planted in suitable soils, though it benefits from occasional supplementary watering during extended heat.

Flowering Information

Does Populus simonii – Simon Poplar flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How fast does Populus simonii grow?
A: It is fast growing and commonly adds around 1m–2m per year under suitable conditions.

Q: Is Populus simonii suitable for screening and windbreaks?
A: Yes, it is widely used for screening and shelter planting due to its upright form and quick establishment.

Q: Is it drought-tolerant?
A: Once established, it has good drought tolerance but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Q: Does it tolerate frost?
A: Yes, it is frost tolerant and performs reliably in cold inland and cool temperate regions.

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