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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names silver birch bed wen
birk tree common birch European white birch lady birch lady of the woods warty birch weeping birch
Synonyms Betula alba
Family Betulaceae
Genus Betula can be deciduous trees or shrubs, usually colouring well in autumn and often with striking white, pink, or peeling brown bark; separate male and female catkins open before or with the leaves in spring
Details B. pendula is an elegant medium-sized deciduous tree with slender drooping twigs. Bark white, becoming black and rugged at base. Leaves ovate, yellow in autumn. Flowers in catkins
Plant range W Eurasia
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Pendulous/Weeping
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H7
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Aspect North-facing or South-facing or West-facing or East-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height Higher than 12 metres
Ultimate spread wider than 8 metres
Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
Cultivation Will grow in a wide range of situations. Effective when planted in small groups or as a multi-stemmed specimen
Propagation Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types Low Maintenance Wildlife Gardens
Pruning Pruning group 1
Pests Sawflies, aphids and leaf- mining sawflies may be a problem
Diseases A rust and a leaf spot may be a problem
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
silver birch
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