Have a question? Check out our FAQs

Betula utilis 'Forest Blush' Tree

Himalayan Birch Trees

Single stem tree, 150-200cm, 12L pot

£85

£85 ~~£85~~

Available As:

Single stem tree

Classic tree with one trunk

Despatched within 2-4 weeks

Multiple Sizes Available Tree Stake & Tie Kit

From £10

From £10 ~~£10~~

Add

Friendly Mycorrhizal Fungi Rootgrow

From £3.60

From £3.60 ~~£3.60~~

Add

Add To Basket For Gift Wrapping Gift Wrap Any Tree or Shrub - Custom Gift Tree

£10

£10 ~~£10~~

Add

View full details

Product Details

Planting & Care

Delivery Information

Key features

Awards RHS Award of Garden Merit

Foliage Green leaves turn yellow in autumn (deciduous)

Bark Peeling creamy white bark with pale pink and orange tones

Soil Most soils except extremes

Description

Originating in China, Betula utilis 'Forest Blush' is a rare variety of Himalayan Birch admired for its distinctive, smooth bark and elegant form. The peeling bark is a soft creamy white colour, tinged with pale tones of pink and orange. Combined with its slender, upright growth habit, this gives ‘Forest Blush’ a very beautiful and graceful overall appearance—an ideal choice for winter interest. In spring, mid-green leaves emerge accompanied by yellow/brown catkins. In the autumn, the leaves take on hues of golden yellow.

Winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, Betula utilis 'Forest Blush' is hardy and tolerant of drought once established. Plant in any moist, well-draining fertile soil in a full sun or partial shade position. Pair with a red bark Birch tree, such as Betula albosinensis septentrionalis, for a dramatic contrast of colours. Expect Betula utilis ‘Forest Blush’ to reach an approximate height and spread of 9 x 6 metres in 20 years.

AKA Himalayan Birch 'Forrest Blush', Betula ermanii 'Forrest Blush', Betula utilis 'Forrest's Blush'

Planting Steps

1Preparation

Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.

2Planting

Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.

3Last Steps

Water generously around the base of the plant.
If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.

Aftercare Advice

Birch trees require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. Unlike many species, Birch prefer wet soil than dry. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.

Established Birch trees require minimal pruning and do not take well to hard pruning, as this increases light at the base of the tree, which in turn increases soil temperature and decreases moisture levels. Simply remove lateral shoots to maintain a clear trunk and prune any diseased or damaged branches. Pruning should be carried out in late summer to mid-winter. Birch trees bleed heavily at other times of the year, especially late winter.

Tip: to keep the colourful bark looking its best, you can wash it using water and a sponge.

For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.

	Small shrubs (1-3)	Young trees & 4+ small shrubs	Select semi-mature trees & shrubs (1-4)	All other mature trees (any quantity)
Mainland UK ex. Scottish Highlands	£10	£12	£35	from £55
Scottish Highlands & the Islands	From £30
Outside Mainland UK	Currently we are unable to deliver outside of Mainland UK

Find out more