National Tree Week. The Spotlight is on Betula.

Beautiful Betula.  A magnificent tree widely used in plantings for the winter bark colour.  The open crown and light foliage provide dappled shade and a fantastic yellow autumn colour.  The papery bark peals attractively leaving newly revealed fresh bark beneath. 

Known for their ornamental value and attracting wildlife to the garden, Betula make a perfect choice for planting stand alone or in clusters.  Weak winter sun bounces off the trunks accentuating the bark colour and when underplanted with winter interest plants such as Erica, Liriope, Winter Stem Colour Cornus or Hellebores they really make a statement on a cold winter day. 

A little hint learnt at RHS Rosemoor is to give the bark a wash down with soapy water to remove any algae and leave that bark shiny and looking clean.  This really does make a difference to the bark colour and shine. 

With a tree field as large as ours on site we have many options to choose form and many forms too. 

Betula utilis jacquemontii  Upright, slender habit.  White papery bark.  Available on site in a multitude of sizes and forms.  Multi stem, feathered, standard from 2m to 6m. 

Betula albosinensis Fascination  Satin-like orange peeling bark revealing layers of variable colours.  Very long catkins in the spring. 

Betula nigra Black Star A striking choice with light pink – cinnamon brown peeling, flaky bark.  Buttery yellow autumn foliage. 

Betula nigra Shiloh Splash Variegated River Birch.  Attractive green and white variegated foliage, yellow in the autumn.  Showy white bark.  Pyramidal growth habit.  Good for planting near a river or pond. 

         

jacquemontii                     Fascination                                Black Star                                 Shiloh Splash