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BETULA pendula
Commonly known as Common silver birch, Lady of the woods
Further Reading....
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Deciduoussharply-toothed, mid-green leaves to 6cm (2½in) long turn yellow in autumn.
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Height25m (80ft)
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Spread10m (33ft)
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TreeTree with pendent, warty branches and peeling white bark. Yellow-brown male catkins 6cm (2½in) long in early spring.
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Very hardyHardy in the severest continental climates including exposed upland locations in the UK. Plant can withstand temperatures < -20 (-4°F)
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Full sun
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Partial shadeDappled shade.
BETULA pendula
- Details
- Description
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowOur native birch. Excellent wildlife plant for insects and birds.Medicinal propertiesWine from the sap was used as a medicine. Tar oil from the bark is used for skin conditions and compounds are being researched for anti-cancer properties.Ornamental barkPests & DiseasesBirch borers, birch leaf mining sawfly, aphids, birch rust, mildew, honey fungusPlace of originEurope, Russia(western Siberia)
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Garden Location/ConditionsCoastal / windsweptSlightly back from the sea with more shelter
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginSerrate
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeDeltoid
(see photos above) Ovate(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 1Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
RHS group 1 -
Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummerWinter
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Soil ConditionsFertile well drained soilWet or boggy soil
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Tree ShapeConicalNarrowly conical
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WildlifeBee friendlyBird friendlyRabbit Resistant
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Betula - Growing Guide
Trees - Care Guide
- How to plant a tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- How to plant a tree
- Ties - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Restaking fallen young trees - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Fallen old tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Clearing up fallen beech tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Spring pruning - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing side shoots - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Pruning and Shaping Magnolia - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Deer protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Weed Spraying - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing Ivy - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing wire protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Tree Survey - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Crown uplift - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing shoots below graft - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing peeling bark - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Maintaining variegation - Video Tip ondemand_video
25m (80ft)
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10m (33ft) |
Buy Varieties of BETULA pendula


BETULA pendula 'Laciniata'
Swedish birch
(syn. 'Dalecarlica') - daintily cut leaves and very pendulous branchlets although branches are not weeping

BETULA pendula subsp. pendula 'Purpurea'
Purple birch
pendent branchlets, purple-tinged bark and dark purple leaves


BETULA pendula 'Tristis'
Weeping birch
tall tree with pendulous branches

BETULA pendula 'Youngii'
Young's weeping birch
small weeping tree with pendulous branches and usually no leading stem
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

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)
2 options from £6.00

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™.
Only £7.50

Vermin & Pest Control
Tree Guards
Essential small tree protection from vermin and strimming. This pack includes 5 x 90cm canes and 5 x 90cm spiral guards. Includes instructions.
Only £5.00

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.20