Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Spider Alley'PBR
silver birch 'Spider Alley'
Small, deciduous tree to 8m tall characterised by its twisted stems and branches. Bright green, diamond-shaped leaves turn yellow in autumn and ornamental brownish catkins are borne in early spring. Silvery-white peeling bark is patched with pink and red on younger branches; the bark turns a purer white with dark fissures as the tree ages
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Brown | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | White | Yellow | ||
| Winter | White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Pendulous weeping
- 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
Will grow in a range of conditions but best in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
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
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