Betula - Birch Trees

Betula albosinensis Fascination

Chinese Red

Common Name: Chinese red-barked birchLatin Name: Betula albosinensis FascinationSoil: Any free-draining garden soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/Yellow-brown male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height and spread: 13m/8mSpecial features: Orange-red peeling bark The 'Fascination' is a stunning ornamental tree which offers year-round interest. Its most notable feature is its orange-red peeling bark which has a shimmering copper tone to it: the iridescent-looking bark really stands out in a winter garden. Once the tree reaches maturity the bark mellows to a pink-white colour, but it still retains its glossy appearance. Spring brings fresh foliage and the cordate leaves are dark-green in colour and serrated at their edges. In March exceptionally lengthy yellow-brown catkins emerge and these dangle from the branches, which adds further interest. The winter leaves turn buttery-yellow before falling in autumn. This tree has densely ascending branches and it will grow to have a pyramidal habit, making this a great choice for a screening tree. Plant it alongside something just as sturdy and colourful, like the Koelreuteria paniculata, or something with contrasting bark, like the Betula Snow Queen.

Betula Fastigiata

Upright Silver Birch Tree

Common Name: Upright Silver BirchLatin Name: Betula pendula 'Fastigiata'Soil: Will grow in most soilsPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: March/Yellowy-brown male catkinsHardiness: Fully hardyHeight and spread in 20 years : 7m x 2mSpecial features: A useful upright form of the of the native Silver Birch (Deciduous).Betula pendula 'Fastigiata' is an attractive columnar form of the native Silver Birch. This is an interesting tree with a silvery-white trunk and twisted, stiffly ascending branches. The leaves are dark green turning yellow in late autumn. This upright birch is ideal as a specimen tree or in areas where space is limited.