Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Betula albosinensis, or Chinese silver birch, is a medium-sized deciduous tree with an open crown, giving it a handsome appearance. However its most fetching feature is its bark, which shines with a burnished copper gleam in different shades of rose, pink and purple. The bark peels gracefully, offering a contrasting honey or reddish-maroon backing with a grey bloom. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped and pale green. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Like all birches – including our native silver birch Betula pendulaBetula albosinensis thrives in most situations, but for best results grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes

Betula and wildlife

Betula is known for attracting bees and birds. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and provides shelter and habitat.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Betula poisonous?

Betula has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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