Betula utilis subsp. albosinensis 'China Ruby' B. Humphrey
Chinese red birch 'China Ruby'
A deciduous tree with a spreading crown to 8m in height with creamy-white fresh bark with tones of grey and pink. The leaves are oval and matt blue-green, turning yellow in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Blue | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green Blue | |||
Autumn | Yellow | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
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. For more information, see tree cultivation
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.