About
Betula kweichowensis is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can reach heights exceeding 10 meters. Its leaves are oval and can grow as long as 16 centimeters, displaying bronze hues when young. In autumn, the foliage transitions to shades of butter yellow and orange, especially when situated in warmer areas. The tree's bark is grey-brown, characterized by fissures and prominent lenticels.
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
- Loam, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in damp soil, in a sunny, sheltered position. Does not tolerate drought well
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1; birches bleed heavily, prune only when fully dormant from late summer to before mid-winter
- 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