Product description
Featured in a famous poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the Silver Birch is a tall and elegantly graceful tree. “I pass forth into light - I find myself beneath a weeping birch - most beautiful of forest trees, the Lady of the Woods.”
Betula pendula grows upright and offers smaller branches that become pendulous with age. Despite its elegant look, it is a tough ‘pioneer’ species that will grow in both icy cold and warm climates. The tree features diamond shaped leaves that are a lovely mid-green colour in summer and turn to yellow in autumn. It is deciduous and loses its leaves in winter. In spring, the leaves are interspersed with yellow-brown male catkins that hang from the branches.
The main attraction is the bark that starts off as golden brown but later changes to white and peels off in large flakes. As the tree ages, the bark becomes fissured and develops character, becoming dark grey and almost black at the base. This ornamental peeling bark gives interest all year round and is particularly effective in winter.
Over the centuries man has used the bark to fashion a wealth of useful items from canoes to table cloths, eating utensils and even small rough cabins. Some parts of the tree have been found to have healing properties and are used in traditional medicine. The Silver birch is national tree of Finland.
This elegant tree makes an effective windbreaker when planted in rows. It is also the perfect ornamental tree for large gardens and parks.
Silver Birch Tree
Betula pendula
Betula pendula
Product description
Featured in a famous poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the Silver Birch is a tall and elegantly graceful tree. “I pass forth into light - I find myself beneath a weeping birch - most beautiful of forest trees, the Lady of the Woods.”
Betula pendula grows upright and offers smaller branches that become pendulous with age. Despite its elegant look, it is a tough ‘pioneer’ species that will grow in both icy cold and warm climates. The tree features diamond shaped leaves that are a lovely mid-green colour in summer and turn to yellow in autumn. It is deciduous and loses its leaves in winter. In spring, the leaves are interspersed with yellow-brown male catkins that hang from the branches.
The main attraction is the bark that starts off as golden brown but later changes to white and peels off in large flakes. As the tree ages, the bark becomes fissured and develops character, becoming dark grey and almost black at the base. This ornamental peeling bark gives interest all year round and is particularly effective in winter.
Over the centuries man has used the bark to fashion a wealth of useful items from canoes to table cloths, eating utensils and even small rough cabins. Some parts of the tree have been found to have healing properties and are used in traditional medicine. The Silver birch is national tree of Finland.
This elegant tree makes an effective windbreaker when planted in rows. It is also the perfect ornamental tree for large gardens and parks.
Give your tree the best start
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune Betula trees during their dormant period in late autumn or winter to prevent sap loss. Remove dead or damaged branches and thin out the canopy to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can stress the tree. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth, and consider planting Betula in groups for a stunning naturalistic effect in your garden.
How to Water
Water newly planted Betula trees deeply and regularly during the first year to establish their root system, especially in dry spells. Mature Betula trees generally require less frequent watering but benefit from additional hydration during prolonged dry periods or hot summers. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Early morning watering is ideal, as it allows excess moisture to evaporate during the day, preventing fungal diseases.
How to Plant
To plant Betula trees, select a sunny or partially shaded location with moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Gently loosen the roots before placing the tree into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole, firm the soil, and water thoroughly to settle the roots. Add a mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent rot.
