TreesBetula pendula
Silver Birch
Silver Birch is a graceful, fast-growing tree with striking white bark that peels in thin layers over the years. The fine, pendulous branches give the tree an airy, elegant silhouette. In autumn, the small triangular leaves turn bright yellow.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 1000–2500 cm
- Spread
- 400–800 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 2–7
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- green
- Wildlife value
- birds, bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Birch is not fussy about soil type and grows even in poor, sandy ground. The tree has shallow roots — avoid disturbing the soil around the trunk. Water young trees during prolonged drought.
Pruning tips
Prune only in summer or early autumn — birch bleeds heavily if pruned in spring. Remove dead and crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning; the tree recovers poorly from it.
Good companions
TreesAcer palmatum
Japanese Maple
The Japanese maple is a graceful tree or large shrub with deeply lobed, palmate leaves that turn spectacular shades of red, orange, or gold in autumn. Its elegant growth habit makes it a focal point in any garden. Hundreds of cultivars exist, from compact and rounded to broad and spreading.
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
FernsPolystichum setiferum
Soft Shield Fern
The soft shield fern is an elegant, evergreen fern with finely divided, soft green fronds that arch gracefully outwards. The plant forms a beautiful rosette and fits perfectly in shady borders and woodland gardens. Mature specimens can reach up to 120 centimetres across.