Betula utilis subsp. albosinensis [Cacao] ('C1')

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese red birch [Cacao]

Synonyms

Betula utilis subsp. albosinensis 'C1', Betula utilis subsp. albosinensis 'Cacao'

Trees

A fast-growing, deciduous tree with a narrow, upright. neat pyramid habit. May reach up to 15m, but generally nearer 4m in most situations. Small, attractive green leaves open in spring alongside yellow catkins. The barks turns a dark chocolate brown from and early age, and the autumn colour is a flourish of yellow and orange, making this a great little tree for year-round interest

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–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
Columnar upright
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
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow well on most soils with certain species happy even in wet sites. Although tolerant of chalk soils they will not reach a maximum size in these conditions. Best planted in a full sun position.

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • 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