Betula Edinburgh or Betula albosinensis var. septentrionalis AKA White Stemmed Birch (Its friends just call it Bet or Ed)
Found in the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens according to the catalogue. By that we think they mean it was purposefully grown there based on years of experience and not accidentally discovered behind the sofa.
A good choice of tree for a smaller garden as this tree will reach a height of up to 6 metres (20 foot) after 10 years but could go on to grow more depending on local conditions and weather. The upright habit, form or shape of the tree also makes it suitable for small gardens.
Betula Edinburgh also develops a pleasing white bark over time and can be a very good conversation starter. Approaching strangers in Tesco and announcing you have a glorious white barked tree in your garden will start multiple conversations, some possibly with uniformed local government agencies.
Betula Trinity College is a very similar tree, the only difference being that it is not as chalk tolerant as the Edinburgh. Both of them are drought tolerant and will tolerate damp sites.
The catalogue states "noted for its vigour" which we take to mean someone at the RHS or similar organisation, sat and watched this grow with a notepad on their knee and at some point scribbled a note along the lines of "bloody hell, this tree grows fast". Expect yellow/brown catkins in the spring and for the foliage to provide a light dappled shade in the Summer.
As it grows in an upright and columnar fashion, it is a very good choice if you are looking to create a multi-stem look by planting several very close together.
Betula Edinburgh is supplied at a height of between 1.5 and 2.4 metres in a 5-15 litre container for year round planting and better results than from either bare-root or rootballed stock.
Betula Edinburgh Options
We usually have 2 options available for this tree:
12L 150-200cm : Usually comes in a 12 Litre pot but maybe a 7, depending which supplier gave us the best deal on pots at the time. 150-200cm tall and 2-3 years old at the point of delivery.
15L 200-240cm : Usually comes in a 15 Litre pot but mat come in a 10 or 12 Litre. Supplied as 200-240cm tall at the point of delivery.
If only one option is shown, we are currently out of stock.
Planting Betula Edinburgh
This particular Betula is chalk and clay tolerant but prefers an acid soil. You can still plant in neutral and alkaline environments but best results will be from acidic soil. Plant in a sunny spot for best results, just make sure that spot is on your own land as the neighbours will have no sympathy for you owning a shady garden. Considered to be in hardiness zone 4 which means you can plant it anywhere in the UK, that you have permission to do so of course. Charging at the door of No 10 with potted tree in hand screaming "zone 4 tolerance allows me to be here" shows a severe misunderstanding of our explanation.
Pruning Betula Edinburgh
The shortest way of giving you pruning instructions for this tree is "don't". Betula Edinburgh is a bit like a teenage boy after he has been dumped, they just want to be left alone. By all means cut way and dead, diseased or crossing over limbs (the tree, not your adolescent son) but generally speaking there is little to be gained from pruning.
Message card included at no additional cost if required. Just add the information required on the card at checkout.
What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Betula Edinburgh
Dear Alan, Three Betula Edinburgh trees have arrived safely and look to be very. I’ve, healthy plants. Thanks for your help and patience. Best wishes, Kynan 0820-27059
Dear Dogsbody *Betula Edinburgh Trees arrived this morning and considering they have had a weekend away in a warehouse they are in perfect condition. Thank you. Craig Dobbie 0820-27053
Dear Senior Dogsbody. The tree arrived last Thursday as predicted it was watered and planted the next day. I was a little worried as I had no confirmation email , but luckily my husband was in. I am impressed with its healthy , study ,appearance and happy to have a three year guarantee (unlike other companies)which hopefully I shall have no need of. Thank you Christine Hill 1118
*Added for transparency and clarity.
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.
