Betula

Betula Birch – Best Trees In New Zealand!

Growing Betula birch trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used for provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

From silver birch betula pendula, to white-stemmed birches, we have the right Betula trees for your space. Choose from a variety of Betula trees that have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Betula trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Betula Questions

1. What is the fastest growing Betula?

The fastest growing Betula is the river birch (Betula nigra). It can grow up to 150-200 cm per per year. Other fast-growing Betulas include:

• Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)
• White birch (Betula pendula)
• Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis)
• Himalayan birch (Betula utilis)

2. Which is the whitest Betula?

Betula utilis var. jacquemontii, also known as the White Himalayan birch has the whitest bark. The bark is smooth and bright white. Other Betulas with white bark include:

• Betula utilis 'White Spire'
• Betula ermanii 'White Chocolate'
• Betula pendula 'Doorenbos'
• Betula papyrifera

White bark is due to a layer of betulin, a white waxy substance, on the surface of the bark. Betulin reflects sunlight, giving the bark its white appearance. The White Himalayan birch is a native of the Himalayas and grows at altitudes of up to 4,500 metres.

3. What is the most hardy birch tree?

The most hardy birch tree is the paper birch (Betula papyrifera). It is native to North America and can be found growing in a wide range of climates, from the Arctic to the boreal forests. Paper birches are tolerant of cold temperatures, poor soils, and drought. They are also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

Other hardy birch trees include:

• River birch (Betula nigra)
• Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis)
• Downy birch (Betula pubescens)
• Himalayan birch (Betula utilis)

These trees can all tolerate cold temperatures.

4. Is there a small variety of silver birch?

There are several small and popular varieties of silver birch:

• Betula pendula 'Fastigiata' (Pyramid birch): This variety has a narrow, upright growth habit and typically reaches a height of 4.5-6 metres.
• Betula pendula 'Youngii' (Young's weeping birch): This variety has a weeping growth habit and typically reaches 3-4.5 metres.
• Betula pendula 'Golden Obelisk': This variety has a narrow, upright growth habit and golden-yellow leaves. It typically reaches 4.5-6 metres.
• Betula pendula 'Purpurea' (Purple birch): This variety has dark purple leaves and typically reaches 4.5-6 metres.

These varieties are all well-suited for small gardens and patios. They are also relatively easy to care for and require minimal pruning.

5. Do birch trees grow in New Zealand?

Many Birch trees grow in New Zealand and are most commonly found in the cooler areas, such as the South Island and the central North Island. They prefer moist, well-drained soils and full sun or partial shade.

Popular varieties of birch trees grown in New Zealand include:

• Silver birch (Betula pendula)
• River birch (Betula nigra)
• Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)
• Himalayan birch (Betula utilis)

Birch trees can be used for a variety of purposes and are often planted as ornamental trees, windbreaks, and privacy screens.

6. How tall is a 10-year-old birch tree?

A 10-year-old birch tree can be anywhere from 4 to metres tall, depending on the species of birch and the growing conditions. Some birch trees, such as the river birch, grow very quickly and can reach heights of 8 metres (and more) in 10 years.

7. What is the prettiest birch tree?

The prettiest birch tree is a matter of opinion, but some of the most popular and visually appealing varieties include:

• Silver birch (Betula pendula): This classic birch tree is known for its graceful, weeping habit and its silvery white bark. It is a popular choice for ornamental plantings and can grow to be up to 18 m tall.
• River birch (Betula nigra): This birch tree is native to North America and is known for its peeling, reddish-brown bark. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of 25 m tall. River birches are often planted along streams and rivers, as they prefer moist soils.
• Himalayan birch (Betula utilis): This birch tree is native to the Himalayas and is known for its white bark, which peels to reveal a darker underbark. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach heights of 10-15 m. Himalayan birches are often planted in gardens and parks due to their attractive bark.
• Erman's birch (Betula ermanii): This birch tree is native to Japan and Korea and is known for its creamy white bark with orange and pinkish hues. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach heights of 10-15 m. Erman's birches are often planted in gardens and parks due to their attractive bark.
• Paper birch (Betula papyrifera): This birch tree is native to North America and is known for its white papery bark. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of 25 m or more. Paper birches are often planted in gardens and parks due to their attractive bark.

Ultimately, the prettiest birch tree is the one that you find most appealing. Consider the size, shape, and bark colour of the tree when making your decision.