Fine Line® Buckthorn

Rhamnus frangula 'Ron Williams'

Proven Winners®

Narrow Columnar Form Reaches 8 Feet Tall in Just 2-3 Feet Wide for Space-Saving Vertical Interest
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 2-7
Grows 5-7 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Stunning Yellow Fall Foliage
Top Pick for Hedge

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun for at least 6 hours to maintain the tightest and most columnar growth habit. While it handles partial shade well, too much shade can cause the foliage to thin out and lose its dense, textured appearance.
Soil: This shrub is highly adaptable to most soil types including heavy clay or rocky ground. If your soil is particularly dense or slow to drain, mix in some organic matter at planting time to help the roots spread more easily.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about an inch of water weekly to help the root system establish itself. Once mature, Fine Line is remarkably drought tolerant and usually thrives on natural rainfall alone. If you notice the leaves yellowing or dropping during a summer heatwave, it is a sign the plant needs a deep, slow soak to recover.

Pruning Tips

Because this variety naturally grows in a narrow pillar, pruning is rarely necessary to maintain its shape. If you need to control the height, do so in late winter before the new growth starts to emerge. Think of it like a light haircut to keep things tidy; pruning at this time ensures you do not cut off the energy the plant has stored for its spring leaves.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a general purpose, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers in late summer because this encourages tender new growth that will be killed by the first winter freeze. This late season growth is like starting a big project right before a long vacation; the plant simply does not have the time to finish it properly before the weather turns.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Evergreen, Drought resistant, Fast-growing, Non-invasive, Deer-resistant
Hardiness Zone	2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	5-7 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Buckthorn
Botanical Name	Rhamnus frangula 'Ron Williams'
Species	frangula
Cultivar	Ron Williams
Class	Rosales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Sophisticated Vertical Accent - Fine Line® Buckthorn

Does your landscape need a punch of interest? Try Fine Line® Buckthorn PP#14,791 (Rhamnus frangula 'Ron Williams'), it is a vastly improved cultivar of Fernleaf Buckthorn from the Proven Winners® collection.

Like a living exclamation point, Fine Line® becomes a magnificent architectural accent. With a strongly upright habit, it easily draws the eye. Use it to spotlight special features of your home or outdoor entertainment area.

You'll appreciate the versatility of this tall, narrow, feathery deciduous plant.

Create privacy in areas where space is at a premium. Fine Line® is a fantastic backdrop for any shrub border. The airy texture and formal habit make it excellent as a 'Thriller' in exterior containers.

The narrow form is beautifully juxtaposed with soft, lacy, green foliage. Overall, it gives the impression of soft strength.

It's beautiful all season long. The color turns golden-yellow in the fall, but only in years when the cooler weather comes on slowly.

Fine Line® provides a high-end, designer look, but it is so hardy and easy to grow. This drought-tolerant plant even does well in either sun or part sun conditions. It has few insect or disease problems. And deer tend to leave it alone. Please note, that the Buckthorn genus can be invasive in certain areas. The improved Fine Line® cultivar does produce some inconspicuous flowers in early spring. But, it produces very few fruit, and of those, only 2% of the seeds are viable.

However, we may not be able to ship into your state if it performs 'too well'. Birds do love to eat the small, dark fruit and it can spread in certain areas. Nature Hills uses Plant Sentry™, an online platform that blocks shipments of all invasive plants in vulnerable areas. We comply with every United States federal and state regulation for proper shipping of plant material.

Thank you for shopping with us and supporting the needs of your local ecosystem!

Fine Line® is an improved Buckthorn that features a wonderful texture and a handsome columnar shape. It's tough, adaptable, and gorgeous, easily adding height to landscaping without taking up a lot of horizontal space.

It's easy to understand why so many gardeners adore the Proven Winners® Fine Line®! Order yours from the environmentally sound growers at Nature Hills today.

How to Use Fine Line® Buckthorn in the Landscape

Use a single Fine Line® Buckthorn as a stunning specimen. It would suit any garden style, from Asian to Cottage to Contemporary.

Add another one and flank either side of your front door for an impressive display. Grow them in the ground, or plant them in luxe outdoor containers.

The foliage is wispy but dense. Use several to create a strategic privacy screen by spacing them 2 feet apart on center. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next.

You'll love the look and the durable nature of a Fine Line® hedge. Very little pruning is required to keep these columnar trees in check and full!

Create living walls of a special outdoor garden room, or shield your pool deck from prying eyes. Extend the height of your existing fence, or hide the neighbor's trash cans. You'll find plenty of ways to use this plant!

The soft, fine texture makes it an interesting backdrop for any shrub border. It's a perfect choice to add a welcome contrast to your landscape.

Tall Sender Deciduous Shrubs
Extremely Fine-Textured Foliage
Lovely Golden Fall Foliage
Excellent Hedge Shrub
Amazing 'Thriller' in Container Arrangements

#ProPlantTips for Care

Plant your Fine Line® Buckthorn in partial sun or full sun for best results. They require well-drained soil, so plant in a raised bed or container if you have heavy soil that holds water.

Give a moderate amount of water on a regular basis during the first season. Once their root system is established in your landscape, they become drought tolerant.

Very little pruning is needed, but you can snip any errant branch any time of year. All plants do well with good air circulation.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Well Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Prune Any Time During Growing Season
Very Easy To Grow
Drought & Urban Tolerant
Deer Tend to Leave Them Alone

This special plant gets rave reviews but must be selected with a little care. Let our system determine if this beautiful plant will work for you. Enjoy the Fine Line® Buckthorn Tree!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do deer eat buckthorn?

Deer typically avoid buckthorn, including Fine Line® Buckthorn, making it a reliable choice for deer-prone areas. The plant's natural properties tend to deter browsing. If deer pressure is severe in your landscape, Fine Line® can serve as a low-maintenance vertical accent without needing protection.

What growing zones is Fine Line Buckthorn hardy in?

Fine Line® Buckthorn is hardy in USDA zones 2-7, making it one of the most cold-tolerant vertical accent plants available. This drought-resistant cultivar thrives in both full sun and partial sun conditions. Check availability for your zone at naturehills.com.

How tall does Fine Line Buckthorn grow at maturity?

Fine Line Buckthorn reaches 5-7 feet tall and only 2-3 feet wide at maturity. This narrow, columnar growth habit makes it perfect for tight spaces where you need vertical interest. Plant it where you want a living screen or architectural accent without taking up much ground space.

Will Fine Line Buckthorn grow in shade?

Fine Line Buckthorn performs best in sun to part sun conditions and is not recommended for full shade. While it's adaptable to various light conditions, insufficient sunlight will result in poor growth and a less dense, attractive form. Plant in locations receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal performance.

Is Fine Line Buckthorn drought tolerant?

Yes, Fine Line Buckthorn is drought tolerant once established. This hardy cultivar thrives in both full sun and partial sun conditions with minimal water needs. Plant it in well-draining soil and water regularly the first year, then enjoy its low-maintenance nature available at naturehills.com.

What size plant ships when I order Fine Line Buckthorn?

Fine Line Buckthorn typically ships as a 1-2 year old plant in a container, ready to establish quickly in your landscape. The exact size varies by season and availability, but expect a well-rooted specimen that will begin showing its characteristic narrow, upright form immediately. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment.

Does Fine Line Buckthorn require pruning?

Fine Line Buckthorn maintains its narrow, upright form naturally with minimal pruning needed. Its strongly vertical habit and architectural structure develop on their own. Light pruning in late winter can help maintain shape if desired.

What soil conditions does Fine Line Buckthorn prefer?

Fine Line Buckthorn adapts to a wide range of soil conditions and is quite drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in both full sun and partial sun locations. For best results, plant in well-draining soil and water regularly the first year to establish strong roots.

Is Fine Line Buckthorn invasive?

Fine Line® Buckthorn is a sterile cultivar with only 2% viable seeds, making it much less invasive than standard buckthorn species. However, some states still restrict shipping due to the genus's invasive history. Check your local regulations before purchasing, as availability varies by location.