Black Birch Tree | Betula nigra 'Black Star'
Best in the constellation!
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
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Order before midday for next day delivery
Black Birch Tree
Betula nigra 'Black Star'
- With its papery peeling bark in pink and brown hues, lush green foliage and attractive yellow catkins, it's small wonder 'Black Star' ranks among our favourite ornamental trees.
- Although this birch can reach an ultimate height of 15m or so, given enough time and a can-do attitude, it's easily pruned to fit smaller gardens, too.
- The airy, spreading canopy allows lots of light to filter through, making this a perfect pick should you want to do any underplanting with perennials.
- Fully hardy and easy to grow, 'Black Star' looks fabulous incorporated as part of a woodland or woodland-edge garden scheme.
- Often also called the river birch, Betula nigra is commonly found in wetlands and swamps. It's among the only birch species, in fact, to tolerate wetter ground.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Black Birch Tree can be grown in a very large pot (60-80cm), but its vigorous roots mean it is best planted in the ground after 3-5 years. Ensure it is kept well-watered in summer.
How big does it get?
The Black Birch Tree typically grows to a height of 15 to 20 metres, with a spread of 10 to 15 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Black Birch Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Black Birch Tree prefers moist to wet soil and can thrive in poorly drained areas. It is very hardy and can tolerate soil temperatures down to -15°C. A 5cm to 10cm layer of mulch helps retain moisture.
How much watering does this plant need?
Black Birch Tree is a thirsty plant that requires frequent watering, needing approximately 20 to 30 litres per week. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist to wet, and water generously when temperatures exceed 20°C.
Will this plant need pruning?
Black Birch Tree should be pruned in late summer or early autumn to prevent excessive sap bleeding.
How hardy is this plant?
The black birch has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is hardy throughout the UK and can survive temperatures as low as -20°C.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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