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.