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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.
Tree Jargon Explained
Half Standard: Around 80-100cm clear stem.
Standard: Around 180-200cm clear stem.
Feathered: Branches for most of the trunk/stem length.
Multi-Stem/Bush: Very little or no clear stem. Multiple branching starting low to the ground.
Rootball: Dug from the field with roots intact i.e. no pot.
Pot: Plastic container that the tree was grown in.
Maiden: 1 year tree that has not been pruned.
Pleached: Foliage a square/rectangle flat shape wired to a bamboo frame with some clear stem.
Screen: Same as pleached but much less/no clear stem.
Multiple Order Discount
Orders over £750 for 150cm+ trees might be discounted by contacting us
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.
Early Autumn Leaf Fall
Heat stress, being potted, lack of water, being boxed up for a few days etc can cause early Autumn leaf fall. Once planted, normal service will resume next season.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Climate Change
Climate Change has increased aesthetic foliage issues such as Powdery Mildew, Shothole, Rust, frost damage etc These are not terminal issues and will usually last a season or less. All trees are inspected before being sent out to ensure they are fundamentally healthy and will bounce back.
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.
Mature Tree Warranty
Once a tree is over 3 years old, the failure rate is considerably less and our Tree Warranty does not cover it at 100%. Please check details.
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.
