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Betula 'Hergest'

birch 'Hergest'

A vigorous, upright, deciduous tree with creamy pink and white bark. The bark on the branches is rich bronze-brown, with white pronounced markings (lenticels). The oval leaves are tapered, mid green and turn yellow in autumn. This selection was found as a chance seedling Hergest Croft Garden, Herefordshire

Synonyms
Betula albosinensis 'Hergest'

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Clay
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow in a wide range of situations, in full sun or part shade. Best on neutral to acidic soils, but will grow with less vigour on a good chalk soil. For more information, see tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

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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