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Burncoose Nurseries - part of the Caerhays Estate
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    Sorry, but the plant you were looking for isn't available this year. Please try these alternatives.
    BETULA
    BETULA
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
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    BETULA BETULA BETULA BETULA
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    BETULA

    Commonly known as Chinese red-barked birch

    Genus of about 60 species of deciduous trees and shrubs from varying habitats throughout the northern hemisphere.

    Graceful in habit (lady of the woods), ornamental bark, colourful autumn foliage, attractive male catkins and an open crown make this a superb choice for a garden tree for even modestly sized gardens. Autumn leaves decompose quickly.

    The UK species are silver, downy and dwarf and are all important wildlife trees.

    Countless uses in history including canoes, writing material, beer and wine and bark gaiters.

    Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
    • Good to know
      Wildlife plant - insects, birds
    • Pests & Diseases
      Birch borers, birch leaf mining sawfly, aphids, birch rust, mildew, honey fungus
    • Place of origin
      Western China.
    • Deciduous
      Ovate, tapered, glossy leaves to 7cm (2¾in) long, deep green above, lighter beneath, turning yellow in autumn.
    • Fully hardy
    • Height
      8-12m (26-40ft)
    • Spread
      10m (33ft)
    • Tree
      Moderately vigorous slender tree. Produces yellow-brown catkins to 6cm (2½in) long in spring with the new leaves
    • Hardy - very cold winter
      Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
    • Autumn Seasonal Interest
    • Spring Seasonal Interest
    • Summer Seasonal Interest
    • Winter Seasonal Interest
    • Fertile moist well-drained soil
    • Full sun
    • Partial shade
      Dappled shade
    • Broadly conical
    • Bird friendly
    • Mature Size
      8-12m (26-40ft)
      		 tree - guide for size not form Average Person
        10m (33ft)
      		  
    View Planting Tips and Care Advice
    Betula - Growing Guide
    Trees - Care Guide
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    Paper-bark maple
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    AMELANCHIER lamarckii

    AMELANCHIER lamarckii

    Snowy mespilus, Juneberry
    Available from £12.50
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    BETULA utilis subsp. jacquemontii

    BETULA utilis subsp. jacquemontii

    Himalayan birch
    Available from £25.00
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    CORNUS 'Norman Hadden'

    CORNUS 'Norman Hadden'

    Chinese or Japanese dogwood
    Available from £30.00
    view

    varieties
    BETULA ermanii 'Mt. Zao Purple'
    Attractive purple and orange bark
     
    Whip
    £45.00
    H/Std
    £90.00
    Notify me
    Estimated availability autumn 2026 Any time SEPT-DEC
    Not yet confirmed. Could be any time between September and December.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    BETULA nigra
    Black birch, River birch
    Purplish orange bark in more mature trees
     
    Whip
    £25.00
    Notify me
    Available late spring to early summer 2026
    Spring according to the Met Office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore late spring is mid-April onwards. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    BETULA pendula
    Common silver birch, Lady of the woods
     
    Pot grown
    £11.50
    BETULA utilis subsp. albosinensis 'Red Panda'
    Striking copper-red bark
     
    Whip
    £35.00
    Notify me
    Unavailable
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    BETULA utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Grayswood Ghost'
    Brillliant white bark and glossy leaves
     
    Whip
    £35.00
    Notify me
    Unavailable
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    H/Std
    £80.00
    Notify me
    Available Early Spring 2026
    Spring according to the Met office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore early spring is early March to mid-April. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    BETULA utilis subsp. utilis 'Nepalese Orange'
    Smooth, glossy, coppery-orange bark
     
    Whip
    £35.00
    H/Std
    £90.00
    BETULA utilis subsp. utilis 'Wakehurst Place Chocolate'
    Dark chocolate-brown bark
     
    Whip
    £35.00
    Notify me
    Unavailable
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    H/Std
    £90.00

    Useful extras...

    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Wildflower Mini Meadow
    Creates a mini-meadow for attracting bees, butterflies and bugs to your garden. 200g sachet which will cover 3 square metres. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi.
    3m²
    £7.00
    10m²
    £15.50
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
    Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
    Small - 60g sachet
    £3.00
    Medium - 150gm sachet
    £6.00
    Large - 360gram sachet
    £12.00
    Unavailable
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
    All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants. Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
    1 ltr
    £8.50
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