Species Dutilly's Birch

Dutilly's Birch

Betula x dutillyi

Dutilly's Birch (Betula x dutillyi) is a hybrid variety of birch tree, native to Europe and Central Asia. Its spire-shaped tree can reach up to 15 metres tall, with an ashy-white bark and a dense crown of foliage. Its dark green and glossy leaves turn to attractive shades of yellow and red in autumn. Dutilly’s birch is tolerant of a variety of soils, and prefers a sunny position to thrive. It is a popular ornamental tree, due to its attractive foliage and its fast growth rate. In winter, its foliage provides an attractive contrast against the snow.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Dutilly's Birch should be watered on a regular basis. Water deeply enough to moisten the soil to a depth of 8 inches. Water your tree about once a week, more often during hot, dry weather. Allow the top inch or 2 of soil to dry out between watering. During the winter, water only occasionally, when the soil is dry.

sunlight

Dutilly's Birch (Betula x dutillyi) will do best in full sun locations. It enjoys at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. During summer months when the sun is strongest, protection from the afternoon sun may be needed to keep the leaves from scorching. In winter, direct sunlight is less intense and the plant should still get full sun. If the plant is grown in a northern climate, the eventual size of the tree should be considered if it is planted too close to buildings or trees that would block the needed sunshine.

pruning

Dutilly's Birch should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done conservatively, removing only dead, diseased, broken, or crossed branches. Be careful to only prune healthy, green branches when needed to shape the tree and remove dead or interfering branches. Remove branches that rub against each other and those that are growing inward. Pruning should also be done to encourage good air circulation throughout the tree, and to keep it at a height and width suitable for its environment. No more than approximately 1-third of the tree should be pruned at any 1 time.