Overview
Betula nana is a bushy, spreading branched, clump forming shrubs in the genus Betula, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Betula nana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include specimen tree, woodland planting, hedging and screening.
About
Betula nana, commonly known as dwarf birch or Arctic birch, is a deciduous shrub in the Betulaceae family. It forms bushy, spreading clumps and typically grows to between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in height, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 metres. This slow-growing shrub takes 10 to 20 years to reach full height and thrives in a variety of soil types, including loam, sand, clay, and chalk, with neutral to alkaline pH. It prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils and can grow in full sun or partial shade, tolerating a range of exposures and aspects. Betula nana is particularly notable in spring and autumn.
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
- Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Betula nana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Specimen tree, Woodland planting, Hedging, Screening
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Betula nana
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Layering
- Pest resistance
- Birch leaf mining sawfly, Birch borers
- Disease resistance
- Birch rust, Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Betula nana?
Betula nana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Betula nana need?
Betula nana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand, clay and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Betula nana grow?
Betula nana reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Betula nana hardy in the UK?
Betula nana 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 nana?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Layering.
