Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Grey Silver White | Brown Yellow | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Grey Silver White | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | Brown Grey Silver White | Yellow | ||
| Winter | Brown Grey Silver White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; tolerant of a range of soil conditions. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; birches bleed heavily, prune only when fully dormant from late summer to before mid-winter
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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.