Betula Silver Birch Narrow

Betula pendula ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright Silver Birch

Betula pendula ‘Fastigiata’, also known as the Upright Silver Birch, is a striking cultivar of the common Silver Birch (Betula pendula). This variety is characterized by its narrow, columnar growth habit, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, urban landscapes, and avenue planting where space is limited.

Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Upright, columnar form, with branches growing closely together.
  • Ideal for narrow spaces and structured landscapes.
• Foliage:
  • Small, serrated, triangular green leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn.
  • Provides light dappled shade, allowing plants beneath to thrive.
• Bark:
  • Classic white, peeling bark with black fissures, adding year-round ornamental appeal.
• Flowers & Catkins:
  • Produces yellow-brown catkins in spring, attracting pollinators.
• Size:
  • Reaches approximately 10-15 meters (33-50 feet) in height, but remains narrow at 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) wide.
  • Slow to moderate growth rate.

Best Uses

✅ Urban & Narrow Spaces: Ideal for tight spaces due to its slender growth habit.
✅ Feature Tree: Provides vertical interest and elegance in garden designs.
✅ Avenue & Street Planting: Works well lined along pathways or driveways.
✅ Wildlife-Friendly: Catkins attract bees and birds, and the seeds provide food for wildlife.
✅ Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round beauty, from lush green foliage in summer to golden autumn color and white winter bark.

Growing & Care Tips

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-draining soil but adapts to various soil types including sandy and clay soils.
• Watering:
  • Water regularly when young to establish strong roots.
  • Once mature, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in dry periods.
• Climate:
  • Hardy, tolerates cold climates well.
  • Can withstand wind and moderate coastal conditions.
• Pruning:
  • Minimal pruning required—remove dead or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.
  • Maintain an open structure to allow light and air circulation.
• Mulching:
  • Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Why Choose Betula pendula ‘Fastigiata’ Silver Birch?

• Elegant columnar form, perfect for small or narrow spaces.
• Classic silver birch appearance, with stunning white bark and golden autumn foliage.
• Low maintenance and hardy, tolerating various soil and climate conditions.
• Great for wildlife, attracting birds, bees, and other pollinators.
• Ideal for structured landscaping, providing vertical elegance in formal or naturalistic gardens.

A beautiful Silver Birch, space-saving tree, Betula pendula ‘Fastigiata’ is a perfect choice for urban and compact landscapes that need a touch of elegance and seasonal color! 🌳🍂✨