About

Betula utilis 'Melony Sanders' is a tall and narrow deciduous tree, reaching heights of approximately 6 meters. It features deep brown bark and green foliage, with noticeable catkins appearing in early spring. In the fall, the leaves display hints of yellow.

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
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows on most soils and will cope well even on wet sites. Although tolerant of chalk soils they will not reach a maximum size in these conditions. Best planted in a full sun. 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, a tree rust and powdery mildews