Overview
Betula humilis is a bushy trees in the genus Betula, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Betula humilis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
Betula humilis, known in English as the shrubby birch, is a species of birch that can be found in Europe and Asia. The species has ovate leaves that are 1.2–3.5 centimetres (0.47–1.38 in) long and is related to Betula fruticosa. It is native to Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Buryatiya, Central European Russia and other regions. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Betula humilis
About the genus
A birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus Betula, in the family Betulaceae, which also includes alders, hazels, and hornbeams. It is closely related to the beech-oak family Fagaceae. The genus Betula contains 30 to 60 known taxa of which 11 are on the IUCN 2011 Red List of Threatened Species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Birch", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Birch
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Betula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Betula humilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Betula humilis
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in a seed bed in autumn or take softwood cuttings in summer
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Betula humilis?
Betula humilis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Betula humilis need?
Betula humilis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Betula humilis hardy in the UK?
Betula humilis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Betula humilis?
Propagate by seed sown in a seed bed in autumn or take softwood cuttings in summer.
