Betula albosinensis seed

Betula albosinensis is native to much of china. Betula albosinensis Fascination was selected from a nursery in Holland. This fine pyrimidal, deciduous, small tree, with a dense canopy of dark green leaves, is notable for its attractive bark which is rich orange-red to orange-brown and peels off in sheets to reveal the lower layers of bark, each slightly lighter in colour than the last. When wet the young bark shimmers, looking almost iridescent. There is however more! When the trunk matures it becomes a striking white. Altogether a beautiful contrast to the darker upper branches. In spring the tree produces a wonderful show of large yellow catkins, up to 10cm long. Fascination can only be reliably reproduced by vegative propagation. These plants are cutting raised. This plant can be used in a mixed planting or as a stand alone specimen in the garden or can easily be grown in a pot or other container. Use a good quality John Innes compost. Ensure you feed regularly as a hungry plant is a poor performer. We recommend Osmoscote pro 8-9 month applied in the early spring. One application gives all the nutrients the plant requires.

Betula albosinensis var. septentrionalis / chinese Red Birch
One of the most exquisite birches native to China. Betula albosinensis var. septentrionalis makes a beautiful slender medium size tree. The open and ascending branch structure ensures constant views of the glistening bark that is coppery-red at first then aging to creamy pinks and crimsons before exfoliating in large sheets
In early spring male catkins provide extra interest in shades of honey and yellow and can reach up to 10cm long before the matt green leaves appear. When in full leaf the tree provides the trademark birch dappled shade, fragmenting the sunlight and casting dancing shadows.
This is a rare birch that you will not see too often but is well suited to UK growing. Like most birches it will perform happily in any reasonably good ground. Full Hardy