Theves Poplar Cuttings, Populus nigra Afghanica, 6–8 Inch Easy Rooting Tree Cuttings, Fast Growing Columnar Poplar, Privacy Screen, Windbreak

Add fast-growing vertical greenery to your landscape with Theves Poplar (Populus nigra ‘Afghanica’) cuttings. Known for its upright, columnar growth habit and rapid development, this popular poplar is an excellent choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, and rows of landscape trees.

These 6–8 inch cuttings are easy to root and can be started in pots or planted directly in the ground, depending on the season and local conditions. Theves Poplar has attractive dark green summer foliage and golden-yellow fall color.

Plant Features

• Variety: Theves Poplar

• Botanical name: Populus nigra ‘Afghanica’

• Product type: Unrooted tree cuttings

• Cutting length: Approximately 6–8 inches

• Growth habit: Fast-growing, upright, and columnar

• Mature height: Approximately 40–60 feet

• Mature spread: Approximately 20–25 feet

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9

• Summer foliage: Dark green

• Fall color: Yellow to golden yellow

• Sunlight: 6–8 hours of direct sunlight

• Soil: Adaptable to many soil types; prefers moist soil

• Water needs: Keep cuttings moist while rooting; established trees tolerate periods of drought

Landscape Uses and Spacing

Theves Poplar is a versatile option for larger landscapes and property planting.

• Privacy or screening hedge: Plant approximately 8–10 feet apart.

• Row of individual trees: Plant approximately 20 feet apart.

• Windbreak: Plant in front of a row of conifers.

• Shade tree: Plant approximately 30 feet from a house or other structure.

Keep trees away from septic systems and water lines. Consider their mature size and root system when selecting a planting location.

How to Root and Plant Your Cuttings

Cuttings arrive without leaves. Plant them promptly or store them in your refrigerator for up to one week before planting. Keep them from drying out.

Rooting hormone is not required.

Late winter or spring

1. Push the cutting into moist soil, leaving only one bud above the soil surface.

2. You can plant directly in the ground or start the cutting in a pot.

3. If using a pot, wait until roots are visible at the bottom before transplanting to the permanent location.

4. Keep the soil moist while roots develop.

Late spring, summer, or fall

1. Place the cuttings in a bucket of water for several weeks, with approximately one-third of each cutting submerged.

2. When roots begin to form, plant the cutting in soil.

3. Bury the cutting so that only one bud remains above ground.

4. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the cutting.

5. Keep the soil moist until the cutting is rooted, usually about 3–4 weeks.

6. After rooting, water weekly. If leaves wilt or weather is hot, provide water and temporary partial shade while the plant establishes.

Starting cuttings indoors during cold winters

Place cuttings in small containers of moist potting soil and keep them near a sunny window. Maintain consistent moisture and do not let the containers dry out. Leave one bud above the soil surface, then plant outdoors in spring.

Establishment and Care

• Keep the planting area mowed and free of weeds.

• Water consistently while cuttings establish.

• A weed barrier can help reduce competition.

• Once new growth reaches 3–6 inches, prune away all but the strongest, dominant stem.

• If deer browse on new leaves, consider using a suitable deer repellent such as Plantskydd.

Important Product Information

These are unrooted 6–8 inch cuttings, not established or potted trees. Cuttings arrive without leaves and need to be rooted after delivery. Rooting and establishment depend on planting conditions, moisture, temperature, and care.

Scenic Hill Farm is a licensed Oregon nursery.

Thank you for choosing Scenic Hill Farm!