A graceful deciduous tree with striking white papery bark, slender weeping branchlets and fluttering leaves that turn soft yellow in autumn. Lovely planted in groves.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 12 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Silver Birch
Betula pendula is a fast-growing tree in the Betulaceae family. It reaches around 12 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with deciduous and rich in autumn colour foliage.
Where to grow Silver Birch
Silver Birch suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Silver Birch does best in loamy, sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Silver Birch is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Silver Birch in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Silver Birch in the garden
Silver Birch earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and a shade tree.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Silver Birch with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Silver Birch
Plant Sale lists Silver Birch as advanced specimens and bare-root stock. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.