About
Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Himalayan Spirit' is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of 8 to 12 meters, featuring a moderately broad crown. In spring, it produces dark green leaves with serrated margins, which transition to a soft yellow hue in the fall. The tree's smooth, white bark peels away, providing visual interest throughout the year. When positioned against darker backdrops, it creates a striking contrast that enhances its presence in the landscape.
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
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Will grow in a wide range of situations, including alklaline soil in sun or part-shade, but grows best in acid or neutral soil. 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