Species Dwarf Birch
green leaves and lime fruits on dark-brown branches

Dwarf Birch

Betula pumila var. glandulifera

Dwarf Birch (Betula pumila var. glandulifera) is a low-growing, deciduous shrub native to the Northern Hemisphere. Its small leaves are rounded or oval in shape, and green on top with white undersides. Its bark is dark brown and scaly. This shrub typically reaches anywhere between 1-5 feet in height, and prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It's a valuable landscape plant, providing year-round interest with its colorful foliage and its ability to attract pollinators. This hardy shrub is also drought tolerant and can be used as a foundation planting or naturalized in the garden for added interest.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Dwarf Birch (Betula pumila var. glandulifera) should be watered deeply and regularly to ensure that the plants stay properly hydrated. During the growing season, these plants should be watered 1-2 times a week, depending on the soil type and the temperature of the environment. During periods of extreme heat or drought, the plants should be watered more frequently, up to 3-4 times a week to keep the soil moist. During the colder months, the frequency of watering should be reduced to once or twice a month. When watering Dwarf Birch, be sure to soak the soil completely until water runs out from the bottom of the pot. It is important to make sure the soil is not overly saturated and to avoid standing water.

sunlight

Dwarf Birch (Betula pumila var. glandulifera)can only thrive in locations that receive full sun for most of the day, ideally up to 6–8 hours of sunlight per day. The ideal placement is an area that is exposed to direct sunlight, such as a south or southwest-facing location. In regions with mild winters, Dwarf Birch can endure some shade and still perform quite well. However, it should be kept out of shady or low light areas to ensure its best growth and flowering performance.

pruning

Dwarf Birch should be pruned in late winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant, before growth begins. Pruning should be kept minimal to reduce stress on the plant. The plant should be pruned to maintain size and shape, remove dead and damaged branches, and to encourage flowering. Also, be sure to prune any lower branches that are rubbing or crossing each other. This will reduce the risk of disease and infection.