About
Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Karaca' PBR is a compact deciduous tree characterized by its white bark and gracefully arching branches. The leaves are finely divided and feathery, starting as a bright yellow-green in spring, transitioning to a deep green during the summer months, and finally changing to a vibrant yellow in autumn. In late winter and early spring, this variety produces yellow-green catkins.
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
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Pendulous weeping
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Architectural, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Thrives in moist but well drained soil, in full sun or light dappled shade. A compact cultivar, ideal for smaller gardens, containers or balcony gardens. For more information, see tree cultivation
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer, or by 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