Betula Pendula Golden Cloud Options Explained
125-150cm: 3-5L pot, -1-2 years old.
150-180cm: 9-12L pot, 2-3 years old, Half Standard, 150-180cm tall
180-240cm: 12-15L pot, 2-4 years old, Half standard, 180-240cm tall.
Betula Pendula Golden Cloud
THIS TREE IS OUTSTANDING....because it stands outside. It is a small tree growing to 6m tall and 4m wide at the 10-year point (could grow more depending on local conditions). Expect to see male catkins around March to April. As with many males, warmer weather means bigger and cooler weather means smaller.
The leaves will have a sort of diamond shape with serrated edges and will be a pleasing green-yellow in the Summer turning to a darker yellow in Autumn. They are less prone to scorch compared to other Betula which is either genetic or they know where you keep the sunscreen.
For some reason, they are particularly suitable for the North and Scotland. We suspect this might be due to lower light levels and not resistance to economically suppressed soils.
When mature, the shape has been described as upright and pyramidal. If you go looking for dead Pharoh's in your tree, you have the wrong pyramid in mind.
The bark is a pleasing and distinctive silver/white but can take a few seasons to mature.
The Golden Cloud is related to the standard Betula Pendula and as with most family, they will bring tears to your eyes i.e. this is a weeping variety. Not a strong weeping form but weeping all the same.
Planting Betula Pendula Golden Cloud
Will tolerate most garden soils (except Garden Of Eden as mythical soils have not been tested for PH levels). Plant in full sun or partial shade but best results will be had in full sun and acidic soils. Chalk and/or shade will reduce vigour. It will tolerate wet sites and endure drought well but keeping it well watered in Summer will give you the best results.
Golden Cloud is considered to be fully hardy which means it does not need Laurel to perform. It also means it can survive UK freezing temperatures of -20 degrees centigrade.
Pruning Betula Pendula Golden Cloud
As a general rule, do not prune Betula Golden Cloud unless it is to remove dead, diseased or crossing over branches. This is best done in Winter when the tree is dormant and completely free of foliage.
See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Golden Cloud
Hi Alan, he/she is a lovely little *Betula Golden Cloud tree, lots of branches low down so possibly a feathered one - ideal! Should be planted next week, if not before. Merry Christmas! Toria :-) 1221
*Added for transparency and clarity.
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
Our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.
Water Logged Conditions
Willow, Alder, Birch and Poplar may help lower the water level so long as you do not have permanent standing water e.g. your local diving and sailing club meets on your lawn.
