About
Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Spider Alley' PBR is a compact deciduous tree that reaches a height of up to 8 meters. This variety is noted for its contorted stems and branches. The leaves are bright green and diamond-shaped, transitioning to yellow in the fall. In early spring, it produces ornamental brownish catkins. The tree's bark is silvery-white and peels away, revealing patches of pink and red on younger branches; as it matures, the bark develops a more uniform white appearance with dark fissures.
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, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Pendulous weeping
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 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
- 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, a tree rust and powdery mildews