Betula pendula
silver birch ( syn. Betula alba )
Diamond-shaped, bright green leaves hang from graceful, pendant branches. Betula pendula is a fast-growing tree with white, peeling bark that becomes marked with black, rugged cracks as it gets older.
In spring, yellow-brown male catkins appear and in late autumn the foliage turns yellow before falling. It is one of the most widely used birches, grown for its narrow, conical shape and ability to grow in almost all soils and situations. The white bark, develops fully when the tree is around 8 years old.
All the birches we supply are single-stemmed unless stated, but they can be planted close together to create a multi-stemmed effect.
In spring, yellow-brown male catkins appear and in late autumn the foliage turns yellow before falling. It is one of the most widely used birches, grown for its narrow, conical shape and ability to grow in almost all soils and situations. The white bark, develops fully when the tree is around 8 years old.
All the birches we supply are single-stemmed unless stated, but they can be planted close together to create a multi-stemmed effect.
How to care for Betula pendula:
When planting, add some soil conditioner (well-rotted compost) to the planting hole and some mycorrhizal fungi to aid root establishment.
Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the collar of the tree is above ground level.
Support taller specimens either with a bamboo cane and or stake during establishment. Water generously around the base of the plant.
Birches need little pruning, but you may want to remove any diseased or crossing branches. It is essential that any pruning work is carried out between late summer to mid winter as the sap will 'bleed' heavily at other times.
Please note: The decorative pot shown is not included and is for presentation purposes only. Our trees are supplied in standard nursery pots, and the images showing young trees in pots are intended to give an idea of our larger plant’s height and form on arrival. We do offer a wide range of decorative pots separately if you’d like to recreate the look, although for long-term success, trees are best planted in the ground.
Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the collar of the tree is above ground level.
Support taller specimens either with a bamboo cane and or stake during establishment. Water generously around the base of the plant.
Birches need little pruning, but you may want to remove any diseased or crossing branches. It is essential that any pruning work is carried out between late summer to mid winter as the sap will 'bleed' heavily at other times.
Please note: The decorative pot shown is not included and is for presentation purposes only. Our trees are supplied in standard nursery pots, and the images showing young trees in pots are intended to give an idea of our larger plant’s height and form on arrival. We do offer a wide range of decorative pots separately if you’d like to recreate the look, although for long-term success, trees are best planted in the ground.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
25m
Eventual spread:
10m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
