One of our most popular birches, this variety of birch is native to the Himalayas.  Commonly planted in urban and highway settings for its attractive form and crisp white bark it also makes a fantastic garden specimen. The simple leaves are ovate with delicately toothed edges. Male and female catkins develop in the spring, adding their own hue to the trees overall colouring. The peeling bark is an intense white that throws light into its environment. At maturity the tree can be expected to reach up to 12m in height.
 
Planting Position 
This variety will tolerate full sun or partial shade. Like most birch it is fairly cosmopolitan in its soil preferences and soil pH but does prefer moist and well drained sites. The West Himalayan birch is suitable for most gardens and urban environments and is particularly attractive when planted as a group.
 
Attributes 
The stunning bark is probably this trees’ best feature however, birch trees have a plethora of assets both visually and as environmental ambassadors. They improve the soil environment they are grown in and attract many insects and birds.
 
Size 
Height and spread after 10 years : 6m x 4m
 
After Care Tips
Ensure your tree is planted with a good sturdy stake to give it support in the first couple of years, after which it can be removed. Water generously in times of drought and add a good layer of mulch to prevent it drying out in summer.
 
Birches generally don't require a lot of maintenance and are happy left alone to grow.  If you do want to carry out any pruning, for instance to remove any damaged, crossing or diseased branches, make sure you do this betweem late summer to mid-winter when the sap is not rising.
 
Bareroot options are available here