Betula pendula 'Spider Alley' Birch catkins

Betula pendula 'Spider Alley' tree in pot

Mature Betula pendula 'Spider Alley' Birch tree

Have a question? Check out our FAQs

Betula pendula 'Spider Alley'

Name: Betula pendula 'Spider Alley'
Brand: Ornamental Trees
SKU: BE1808.1
Price: 35.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

Birch Trees

From £35

From £35 ~~£35~~

Available As:

Bush

Many stems low down

Choose Option 3 options

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

Multiple Sizes Available Complete Tree Planting Kit (planting kit + irrigation)

From £20

From £20 ~~£20~~

Add

All Purpose Plant Food Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Continuous Release Plant Food

£8.50

£8.50 ~~£8.50~~

Add

All Purpose Plant Food Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food

£7.50

£7.50 ~~£7.50~~

Add

View full details

Choose Option 3 options

Product Details

Planting & Care

Delivery Information

Key features

Final size 8 x 4 metres in 20 years

Foliage Diamond shaped, green leaves

Position Full sun to part shade, including exposed sites

Soil Moist but well-drained, chalk, clay, loam and sand soils

Description

Betula Pendula 'Spider Alley' is a small, deciduous tree. Its common name comes from the twisting stems and branches that intertwine impressively. In the spring, diamond-shaped, rich green leaves appear, which turn a beautiful golden yellow in autumn. Green-brown catkins dangle in the spring, adding another ornamental feature. The tree also boasts stunning silvery peeling bark, which can reveal hints of pink and red when young. As the tree matures, the bark develops into a crisper white.

Spider Alley will thrive in full sun or partial shade within an exposed or sheltered environment. It prefers moist but well-drained chalk, clay, loam and sand soils. Approximate height and spread is 8x4 meters.

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