Betula utilis subsp. utilis 'Wakehurst Place Chocolate'
Himalayan birch 'Wakehurst Place Chocolate'
A deciduous tree with a spreading crown to 8m in height with deep chocolate-brown bark that matures to varying shades of bronze, copper and pale brown. The leaves are oval and green, turning yellow in autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy
- Genus
Betula can be deciduous trees or shrubs, usually colouring well in autumn and often with striking white, pink, or peeling brown bark; separate male and female catkins open before or with the leaves in spring
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or light shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust and powdery mildews
Get involved
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