Betula Jacquemontii

Betula utilis var. jacquemontii

Why Buy Me?

• Brilliantly coloured bark
• Slender hanging branches

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Grows best in full sun, which helps maintain its brilliant white bark. Will tolerate some shade, but reduced light may slightly dull bark colour and reduce vigour.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Prefers loamy, sandy, or silty soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid heavy clay or very dry, compacted soil. Consistent moisture is key to healthy growth.

Exposure:
Ideal for open sites, large gardens, and woodland edges. Hardy, tolerating cold winters and exposed conditions. Not well-suited to very hot or drought-prone regions without irrigation.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Young trees need regular watering. Once established, can tolerate occasional dryness but prefers consistently moist conditions, especially in summer.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in autumn or early spring when the soil is moist and workable. Ensure good drainage and avoid planting in waterlogged sites.

Spacing:
Allow 4–6 metres (13–20 feet) between trees for full maturity. Grows to a height of 12–15 metres (40–50 feet) with a spread of 4–7 metres (13–23 feet). Can be grown as a single specimen or in multi-stemmed groups.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water deeply and regularly during the first 2–3 years. Mature trees benefit from occasional watering in dry weather. Feed in early spring with compost, well-rotted manure, or a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring to conserve moisture and enrich the soil. Prune only in late summer or early autumn to avoid sap bleeding. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches as needed. Minimal pruning required for form.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Fresh green, ovate leaves emerge. Small catkins appear—yellowish male catkins and smaller green female catkins—adding early interest.

Summer:
Graceful, light canopy offers dappled shade. Striking white bark contrasts beautifully with green foliage and adds architectural impact.

Autumn:
Leaves turn bright yellow before falling, providing a classic autumn display and contrasting with the white trunks.

Winter:
Stunning pure white bark stands out dramatically against darker winter landscapes. Provides strong structural interest year-round, especially in low light or snowy conditions.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Catkins provide early pollen for bees; leaves support caterpillars of several moth species; bark and canopy provide shelter for insects and birds. A good tree for biodiversity.

Garden Use:
Highly ornamental, perfect as a specimen tree or planted in groups for a dramatic effect. Excellent for modern landscapes, woodland gardens, or near water features. Commonly used in multi-stemmed forms for architectural planting.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with shade- or moisture-loving underplantings such as Ferns, Hellebores, Epimedium, Brunnera, and Spring bulbs like Snowdrops, Narcissus, and Crocus. Contrasts well with red- or dark-leaved shrubs like Cornus alba or Heuchera.