Betula utilis Forest Blush
Himalayan Birch Tree
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Common Name: Himalayan Birch
Latin Name: Betula utilis 'Forest Blush'
Soil: Any good garden soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Flowering period/colour: February-March/ Yellow-brown catkins
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height/spread in 20 years: 12m/ 6m
Special features: Peeling white bark with a pink blush.
The 'Forest Blush' is a fantastic choice for winter interest; the top layer of bark has a pink-orange blush and the layers underneath are paler, almost white. In spring yellow-brown catkins drape from the branches and these are up to 12cm long. Spring also sees the arrival of the mid-green leaves and these hold their colour until they turn golden yellow in autumn. The ornamental bark can be fully appreciated in winter and it looks particularly wonderful when topped with snow.
This birch is upright in habit and maintains its slender and elegant form as it matures. If you have a large space then try planting the Forest Blush in a row alongside a darker birch, like the Betula albo-sinensis, and alternating the two so that the bark colours contrast in winter.