Betula medwediewii 'Gold Bark'

RHS Plant Profile
transcaucasian birch 'Gold Bark'
Trees

A large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree to a height of up to 10m, with a conical to rounded canopy of dense, robust branches. Leaves are glossy, wide and deep green. The bark and more mature branches are pale gold in colour; it also has vibrant, yellow autumn colour. Large yellow, becoming brown, catkins appear in May

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Clay, Chalk

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam Clay Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline or Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Betulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade but tolerant of a range of soil conditions

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1; birches bleed heavily, prune only when fully dormant from late summer to before mid-winter

Pests

May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust and powdery mildews