Chinese Red Barked Birch Options Explained
150-180cm: 7-9L pot, 2-3 years old, Half Standard, 150-180cm tall.
180-240cm: 12-15L pot, 2-4 years old, Half standard, 180-240cm tall.
Chinese Red Barked Birch
Chinese Red Barked Birch (Betula albosinensis septentrionalis ‘Kansu')(native to Szechuan in Western China) has a strong growing form with multi-coloured bark consisting of copper and pink making it a striking feature in any garden. particularly interesting in Winter when your garden looks like someone has dialled down the colour.
It has a twiggy light canopy which allows some light through allowing you to plant shade-tolerant plants close by and you can expect the leaves to turn a pale yellow in Autumn and a sea-green in Summer.
Male and female catkins are found on the same tree with the males "drooping" (stop sniggering!) with the females standing erect but shorter (I know you are still laughing...)
Mature tree heights are completely dependant upon weather, soil conditions and many other factors and examples of this species have been found at 40 years old being 15m-21m (50-70ft) high with around a 15m (50 ft) spread.
The word septentrionalis was given to this tree by "Ernest 'Chinese' Wilson" in 1908 whilst on an arboretum trip. It describes the seven stars of the Plough and for some reason, the bark reminded him of this (don't see it myself). It might have something to do with the tree growing in Northern China but who knows!
You can cheat if you are looking for a multi-stem version (popular but difficult to grow) by planting three trees in the same hole.
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.
