Alphabetical Plant Listing

Underplanting Birches

Betula, Birches, Betula pendula, Betula utilis, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii, Betula ermanii, Betula dahurica, Betula albosinensis, Betula nigra


Few trees are more spectacular in winter than birches (Betula). Tall, slender, and elegant, they lavishly exhibit their peeling bark in a rich display of stark white, salmon-pink, copper, cinnamon-red, or glistening chestnut brown. A most welcomed sight during the dreary winter months! Birches are also wonderful in the spring and summer as their graceful, airy crowns are draped with catkins, and their small pointed leaves rustle in the slightest breeze. Fall brings glorious golden shades to their foliage before it sheds to the ground. Impervious to cold and wet, easy to grow, low maintenance, and deer resistant, birches are terrific additions to the landscape. Often grown as specimen trees, they look spectacular when planted in groups of three or more.

Guide Information

Hardiness 2 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, A1, A2
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Betula - Birches
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden
Compare All Betula - Birches Great Plant Combination Ideas with Betula - Birches Guides with Betula - Birches

liujunrong / 123RF Stock Photo

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 2 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, A1, A2
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Betula - Birches
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden
Compare All Betula - Birches Great Plant Combination Ideas with Betula - Birches Guides with Betula - Birches

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