Alder buckthorn (Frangula rubra)
Care, watering, light and tips for Alder buckthorn on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rhamnaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Alder buckthorn
Frangula rubra, also known as red buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, valued for its glossy green foliage that turns reddish in autumn and its small, dark berries. It is ideal for informal hedges, woodland edges, or as a specimen plant in naturalistic gardens. Its elegant habit and hardiness make it suitable for enhancing spaces with low maintenance requirements.
Native range
Europe and Western Asia
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving in a wide range of light conditions. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, although it tolerates short periods of drought once established. It adapts to various soil types, as long as they are well-drained, from acidic to alkaline. A common mistake is overwatering in heavy soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Alder buckthorn
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or pale leaves, premature leaf drop, lack of flowering or fruiting.
- First aid
- Check soil drainage and moisture. Ensure appropriate pH (slightly acidic to neutral).
- What kills it
- Waterlogged or compacted soil, suffocating roots. Prolonged drought exposure.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the cause is corrected promptly. Recovery can be slow but possible.