Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Trinity College'

RHS Plant Profile
Himalayan birch 'Trinity College'

Synonyms

Betula utilis 'Trinity College'
Betula utilis var. jacquemontii 'Trinity College'

Trees

A relatively upright and medium sized deciduous birch to a height of up to 6m. Dark green leaves with serrated edges appear in the spring, turning to a buttery yellow colour in the autumn. Bright white bark shows at an earlier stage than other birches. The catkins are yellow brown and borne in spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Clay, Chalk, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or North–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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, 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

Will grow in a wide range of situations, including alklaline soil in sun or part-shade, but grows best in acid or neutral soil. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

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