Betula pendula

Betula pendula (Silver Birch)

Why Buy Me?

• Striking white bark
• An excellent shaped tree

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to light shade. Performs best in full sun, where it develops its iconic silvery-white bark and an airy, elegant canopy. Can tolerate some light shade but may grow more sparsely.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil. Adapts to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and even poor soils. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid heavy clay and overly dry or compacted soils.

Exposure:
Thrives in open sites, parklands, and woodland edges. Hardy, extremely cold-tolerant and wind-resistant once established.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Young trees need regular watering to establish. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during extended dry periods.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in autumn or early spring when the soil is moist and temperatures are cool. Avoid planting in summer heat or waterlogged ground.

Spacing:
Allow 6–8 metres (20–26 feet) between trees. Mature trees reach 15–25 metres (50–80 feet) tall with a light, open crown that spreads 5–10 metres (16–33 feet).

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly in the first few years after planting. Mature trees require little supplemental watering except in prolonged droughts. Apply compost or a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune only in late summer to early autumn to avoid excessive sap bleeding. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches to maintain structure.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Fresh green foliage emerges with small yellow-green catkins. Delicate, lacy canopy casts dappled light over the garden.

Summer:
Graceful, fluttering leaves and striking white bark provide contrast and movement. The open crown allows underplanting and companion planting.

Autumn:
Leaves turn a bright golden yellow before falling, adding warmth and colour to the autumn landscape.

Winter:
Bare branches create a striking silhouette. Silvery-white, peeling bark stands out in frosty or snowy settings, offering excellent winter interest.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Highly valuable for wildlife. Supports a wide range of insects, including over 300 species of insects in the UK. Catkins provide early food for pollinators; leaves feed caterpillars; bark offers shelter for invertebrates; birds nest in its canopy.

Garden Use:
Excellent as a specimen tree or in small groves. Well-suited for naturalistic, woodland, or wildlife gardens. Its open canopy allows light for under plantings and supports layered planting schemes.

Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with Ferns, Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Brunnera, Hellebores, Aquilegia, and woodland perennials. Also combines well with other native trees like Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) or Hazel (Corylus avellana).