Betula utilis subsp. albosinensis
Chinese red birch
A medium-sized, deciduous tree to 25m, conical in outline, with orange-brown bark, white-bloomed when young and peeling to reveal a cream underlayer. Foliage is glossy, dark green, turning yellow in autumn. Yellow-brown catkins, 6cm long, open with the leaves in spring
Other common names
northern Chinese red birchwhite Chinese birch
Synonyms
Betula bhojpattra var. sinensisBetula albosinensis var. septentrionalis
see moreBetula utilis var. sinensis
Betula albosinensis
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Cream | Brown | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Cream | Yellow | ||
| Winter | Brown Cream |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- 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
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in wide range of situations
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- 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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