Betula Utilis ‘Doorenbos’ (Birch)

In 1993, eagle eyed Mr Doorenbos spotted this gem of a tree in the Netherlands. Cream peeling bark gets whiter and whiter over time and the slender stems can reach a 6metre height with a 5metre spread. Deciduous and hardy.

This tree can be grown in most soils in full sun to partial shade. Tolerant both of pollution so good in cities, and moderate salt so good near the coast. Pruning should be done in summer once the sap has finished rising in the spring.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.