Overview
Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk' is a bushy trees in the genus Betula, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk' 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 pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk' is a cultivar of the Betula genus, which includes deciduous trees and shrubs noted for their distinctive bark and vibrant autumn foliage. This bushy silver birch thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils such as clay, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for sheltered sites and is ideal for cottage and informal gardens. The tree is particularly attractive in spring and summer when its catkins and leaves emerge.
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 pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk'
- 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 pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk'?
Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk' need?
Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk' 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 pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk' hardy in the UK?
Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk' 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 pendula subsp. pendula 'Golden Obelisk'?
Propagate by seed sown in a seed bed in autumn or take softwood cuttings in summer.
