Betula pendula 'Crimson Frost'
Elegant, narrowly conical, deciduous tree about 12m in height, with slender drooping twigs. Peeling white bark, becomes black and rugged at the base. Diamond-shaped, toothed, dark purple leaves, contrast with the white bark and turn yellow-orange in autumn; male catkins are yellow-brown and appear in early spring
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Brown | Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | |||
| Autumn | Yellow Orange | |||
| Winter |
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
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade but tolerant of a range of soil conditions. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
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
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