Betula pendula
Re: silver birch betula pendula
Kathy N
829 0
Hi, Pamela,
It sounds as if you already have some established, acid-loving plants and both of your new choices will do fine in those conditions - the Amelanchier likes acid to neutral soil, the Betula tolerates a wide range of conditions. I'm just not sure what you mean by japonicas - are they Camellias, Spiraeas, or Skimmias or something else. My only thoughts are 1) about the size your Betula will eventually get - is there room for a tree in that area that will get up to 15m tall? 2) Is there enough room to plant these trees so there isn't too much competition for moisture and nutrients while they establish themselves? and 3) As they get taller, will they create too much shade for the other plants? If you have Rhodos, Camellias, or Skimmia, they are fine in shade but Spiraea needs full sun.
Kathy C
It sounds as if you already have some established, acid-loving plants and both of your new choices will do fine in those conditions - the Amelanchier likes acid to neutral soil, the Betula tolerates a wide range of conditions. I'm just not sure what you mean by japonicas - are they Camellias, Spiraeas, or Skimmias or something else. My only thoughts are 1) about the size your Betula will eventually get - is there room for a tree in that area that will get up to 15m tall? 2) Is there enough room to plant these trees so there isn't too much competition for moisture and nutrients while they establish themselves? and 3) As they get taller, will they create too much shade for the other plants? If you have Rhodos, Camellias, or Skimmia, they are fine in shade but Spiraea needs full sun.
Kathy C
Posted: Tuesday 13th of March 2012 05:15 PM Last reply: Tuesday 13th of March 2012 05:15 PM
silver birch betula pendula
Shoot User
829 1
Hi I have just bought this ornamental variety and wondered if it is ok to plant it amongst smaller shrubs, like japonicas, rhododendrons etc? Thanks
Posted: Friday 9th of March 2012 08:59 AM Last reply: Saturday 1st of March 2025 02:23 AM
811 0
Betula pendula (Silver birch) has been used in The HESCO Garden by Leeds City Council for Chelsea Flower Show 2009.
Posted: Friday 15th of May 2009 08:26 AM Last reply: Saturday 1st of March 2025 01:36 AM
Betula pendula
Shoot User
921 0
In the wild, it is a pioneer species, often associated with newly disturbed ground and open areas. The open habit of silver birch produces a light dappled shade in sunlight, allowing a range of plants to be grown underneath it. Ferns can be particularly attractive in this position. Birch produces masses of seeds which provide food for small finches, especially redpolls, siskins, greenfinches and goldfinches. Leaves often attract greenfly which in turn will bring in blue tits. Silver birch is also an important species for moths and other insects.
Posted: Thursday 14th of May 2009 04:48 PM Last reply: Saturday 1st of March 2025 02:36 AM