Betula 'Royal Frost'
purple birch
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: full sun or lightly dappled shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Hardiness: fully hardy
When grown in a sunny spot, the foliage of this relatively new birch is a rich plum-purple, and this creates a very dramatic effect when teamed with the silvery stems, which develop as the tree matures. If grown in shadier conditions, the foliage turns a softer hue, with underlying green tints coming through, but in the autumn, they will all turn butter yellow before being shed. Its bold colouring will create an eyecatching contrast against a sea of green, but this handsome tree will also make a fine stand-alone specimen. - Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake well.