10 types of birch tree to grow
Birch trees are a firm favourite in the garden – we pick 10 of the best to grow.
Birch trees are popular garden trees thanks to their elegant form, attractive bark and gorgeous autumn colour. With a choice of 35 species globally – including our native Betula pendula – and many cultivars, there are options for both wet and dry soils. Birches grow quickly but never cast dense shade, allowing a wide range of shade-loving plants to be grown beneath them. This makes them perfect for medium-sized gardens, as they don't take up too much space. They also make great trees for privacy.
In autumn, birch tree leaves turn bright yellow and in winter the white bark shines in the sunlight (an effect enhanced by gently cleaning it with soap and water). Spring catkins can also be an attractive feature. There's a huge range of birch trees to choose from, with choices ranging from an upright or weeping habit, bright white to reddish bark, glorious autumn colour and spring catkins, or value for wildlife.
There's a wide range of birch trees to choose from for different gardens and settings. They don't need pruning so require very little care, but if they grow tall don't be temped to remove the top of your birch, as this can have devastating consequences. Not only will 'topping' a birch look unsightly but it can reduce the availability of food to the tree and potentially kill or harm it. It may also encourage the growth of vigorous 'water shoots', which are numerous and grow vertically, ruining the shape of the tree but quickly returning it to its original height.
More trees for the garden:
We recommend 10 gorgeous birch varieties, below.
Betula 'Fascination'
A cultivar of Chinese red birch (Betula albosinensis var. septentrionalis), Betula 'Fascination' is a relatively narrow and upright birch tree. Its bark is a key feature, shining in different shades of rose, pink and purple throughout the year. The bark peels gracefully, offering a contrasting honey or reddish-maroon backing with a grey bloom.
Betula albosinensis 'Fascination' has larger and darker green leaves than many types of birch tree, and yellow catkins up to 10cm in length. Like all birches Betula albosinensis 'Fascination' thrives in most situations, but for best results grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade.
Height x Spread: 18m x 10m
Betula albosinensis var. septentrionalis
Chinese red birch has beautiful greyish bark with pink overtones. It's one of the best small trees for autumn colour – its bark gently peels, leaving a contrasting creamy bark beneath, while its leaves turn a bright and buttery shade of yellow.
H x S: 12m x 8m
Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost'
A cultivar of Himalayan birch, Betula utilis, 'Grayswood Ghost' is one of the best birch trees for winter interest, thanks to its gleaming white bark. In spring it bears striking yellow catkins. Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost' is best grown as a feature tree to make the most of its dramatic beauty.
H x S: 12m x 8m
Betula nigra 'Cully'
A cultivar of river birch, Betula nigra, which is native to North America, 'Cully' is best for damp soils. It has cream-brown shaggy bark and glossy foliage. Like all birches, it has dramatic autumn foliage, too.
H x S: 12m x 8m
Betula pendula 'Laciniata'
Swedish birch has pendulous (but not weeping) branches and colourful incised foliage in autumn. Its white bark becomes black and craggy at the base.
H x S: 12m x 8m
Betula 'Royal Frost'
Purple birch has dramatic plum-purple leaves which contrast beautifully with silvery stems. The best leaf colour is achieved when grown in sun – if grown in a shadier spot the plum markings will be less intense, while green tones will show through. Golden yellow autumn colour. Best for growing as a specimen tree in a lawn to make the most of its beauty.
H x S: 12m x 10m
Betula papyrifera
Another birch tree with attractive gleaming white bark that peels off to reveal an orange-brown bark beneath. Young plants have red brown trunks and stems. Yellow catkins appear from mid spring against fresh green, triangular-shaped leaves that turn a glorious shade of yellow in autumn.
H x S: 15m x 8m
Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii
Known for its brilliant white bark, Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii has yellow-brown catkins and dark green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Best grown as a specimen tree or in groups for a contemporary look.
H x S: 18m x 10m
Betula pendula 'Youngii'
Young's weeping birch has weeping branches to form a low, domed shaped tree. It has bright green leaves, which turn yellow in autumn, and attractive yellow-brown catkins in spring. Its trunk has peeling white bark.
H x S: 8m x 6m
Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Silver Shadow'
A Himalayan birch renowned for its luminous white peeling bark, 'Silver Shadow' has a conical shape with drooping dark green leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn. Long yellow catkins up to 15cm.
H x S: 8m x 4m
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