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Betula utilis subsp. albosinensis

Chinese red birch

A medium-sized, deciduous tree to 25m, conical in outline, with orange-brown bark, white-bloomed when young and peeling to reveal a cream underlayer. Foliage is glossy, dark green, turning yellow in autumn. Yellow-brown catkins, 6cm long, open with the leaves in spring

Other common names
northern Chinese red birch
white Chinese birch
Synonyms
Betula bhojpattra var. sinensis
Betula albosinensis var. septentrionalis
see moreBetula utilis var. sinensis
Betula albosinensis
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Cream Brown Green
Summer Brown Cream Green
Autumn Brown Cream Yellow
Winter Brown Cream
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Betulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, 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

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow in wide range of situations

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • 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

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