Overview

Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Moonbeam' is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Betula, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Moonbeam' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.

About

Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Moonbeam' is a columnar upright birch with a narrow, vertical habit. A deciduous member of the Betulaceae, it suits full sun or partial shade and tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites. It prefers moist but well-drained to well-drained soils across chalk, clay, loam or sand with acid to alkaline pH. Flowering takes place in March to April and the tree is rated H7, fully hardy in the UK.

About the genus

A birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus Betula, in the family Betulaceae, which also includes alders, hazels, and hornbeams. It is closely related to the beech-oak family Fagaceae. The genus Betula contains 30 to 60 known taxa of which 11 are on the IUCN 2011 Red List of Threatened Species.

Wikipedia contributors, "Birch", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Birch

In the garden

Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Moonbeam' sits within the Himalayan birch group and is grown primarily for its compact, columnar upright habit. As a deciduous member of the Betulaceae it brings seasonal structure rather than broad spreading shade, and its flowering period in the UK is March to April. Position the tree where it will receive full sun or partial shade; it tolerates all garden aspects (north, east, south and west) and will establish in both exposed and sheltered locations. Soil may be chalk, clay, loam or sand provided it is well drained or at least moist but not waterlogged. The cultivar copes with acid, neutral and alkaline pH, and its H7 rating means it is fully hardy across the UK. Use 'Moonbeam' where vertical presence is needed: as an architectural accent, in cottage and informal borders where space is limited, or as a component in wildlife-friendly and wildflower meadow schemes. Its upright profile makes it suitable for narrow frontages or lining drives without taking excessive lateral space. Expect seasonal leaf drop as part of its deciduous cycle, with the tree retaining its columnar outline through winter.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Betula

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, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Moonbeam' size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Moonbeam'

Propagation

Seed, Softwood cuttings, Grafting

Pest resistance

Birch borers, Leaf-mining sawflies, Aphids

Disease resistance

Honey fungus, Tree rust, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions