Betula 'Fascination'

RHS Plant Profile
birch 'Fascination'
birch 'Fascination' Wolfgang Bopp

Other common names

红桦 (hóng huà)

Synonyms

Betula utilis 'Fascination'
Betula albosinensis 'Fascination'

Award of Garden Merit
Trees

A medium-sized tree of pyramidal habit with stiffly ascending branches and green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Peeling, deep orange bark turns a pale pink-white and in spring, yellow-brown male catkins up to 10cm long also appear in spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Betulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

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