Betula utilis (Himalayan Birch)
Himalayan Birch, Betula albosinensis, Betula bhojpattra, Betula albo-sinensis, Chinese Red-Barked Birch
Betula utilis or albosinensis is an exquisite birch recognizable for its distinctive coppery to orange-red bark, which peels off in thin sheets to reveal a fresh cream-pink surface beneath. This happens on both the trunk and branches. The glossy oval leaves emerge emerald green in spring and turn a beautiful golden yellow in fall before being shed. In spring, tiny male and female flowers appear in long catkins. Vigorous, this deciduous tree captures the attention of those who encounter it.
- Grows up to 40-70 ft. tall (12-21 m) and 25 ft. wide (8 m).
- A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in medium to wet, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils.
- Perfect as a specimen plant or in borders, cottage gardens, city gardens, and foundation plantings.
- Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running.
- May be affected by sawflies, aphids, rust, and leaf spot.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting
- Native of western China
Not sure which Betula - Birches to pick?
Compare All Betula - Birches
Buy Betula utilis (Himalayan Birch)
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
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 |
Height | 40' – 70' (12m – 21m) |
Spread | 20' – 25' (6m – 7.5m) |
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 |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
© Martin Ogden /www.teddingtongardener.com
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
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 |
Height | 40' – 70' (12m – 21m) |
Spread | 20' – 25' (6m – 7.5m) |
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 |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |