About
This small tree reaches approximately 5 meters in height, featuring a tidy, pyramidal form. Its distinct white bark contrasts with the vibrant green foliage, which turns yellow in the fall. In early spring, it produces decorative 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
- 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
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Will grow in a range of conditions but best in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by 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 and powdery mildews; this cultivar shows some resistance to tree rust