Overview
Betula pendula is a pendulous weeping trees in the genus Betula, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Betula pendula grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to W Eurasia.
About
Betula pendula, commonly known as the silver birch, is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 25 meters. It features a narrow, conical shape with slender branches that arch gracefully downwards. The tree's bark is distinctive, starting as white and peeling away to reveal a darker, more textured surface at the base. Its leaves are diamond-shaped with serrated edges, displaying a mid-green hue that transitions to yellow during the autumn months. In early spring, the tree produces yellow-brown catkins that add seasonal interest.
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
Best soil and position for Betula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Betula pendula size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Pendulous weeping
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- W Eurasia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Betula pendula
- Cultivation
- Will grow in a wide range of situations. Effective when planted in small groups or as a multi-stemmed specimen
- 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
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Betula pendula?
Will grow in a wide range of situations. Effective when planted in small groups or as a multi-stemmed specimen.
Where is the best place to plant Betula pendula?
Betula pendula prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Betula pendula need?
Betula pendula is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Betula pendula?
Pruning group 1.
How big does Betula pendula grow?
Betula pendula reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Betula pendula hardy in the UK?
Betula pendula has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Betula pendula?
Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting.