About

Betula ashburneri is a deciduous small tree or a large multi-stemmed shrub, reaching heights of up to 10 meters. It features glossy green foliage and smooth green-brown bark that matures to a darker grey and begins to peel over time.

About the genus

Betula comprises both deciduous trees and shrubs, known for their vibrant autumn foliage and distinctive bark that can be white, pink, or brown and peeling. In spring, male and female catkins emerge separately, preceding or coinciding with leaf growth.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
8-12 metres
Spread
wider than 8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native to
Butan to China

Care notes

Cultivation
Will grow in a wide range of situations, in sun or partial shade. For more information, see tree cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies and aphids
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust and powdery mildews