Betula medwediewii
transcaucasian birch
A compact shrub, to 5m high, with conspicuously-pointed, glossy winter buds and upright branches when young, spreading with age. Glossy dark-green leaves turn yellow to yellow-brown in autumn and yellow brown male catkins, to 10cm long, are produced in spring
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze Grey Silver | Brown Yellow | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Bronze Grey Silver | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | Bronze Grey Silver | Yellow | ||
| Winter | Bronze Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Black Sea
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. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a seed bed in autumn or take softwood cuttings in summer or grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Hedging and screens
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
Get involved
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