About

This tree features an open, conical shape complemented by dark honey-hued peeling bark. Its glossy green foliage grows on somewhat textured branches. In autumn, the leaves transition to shades 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
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
wider than 8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Native to
China

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade but tolerant of a range of soil conditions. See tree cultivation for further advice
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or grafting in winter
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