Species Northern Hybrid Birch
green leaves on light-gray branches and trunk

Northern Hybrid Birch

Betula x sandbergii

Northern Hybrid Birch (Betula x sandbergii) is a deciduous tree with multi-colored trunks that are highly prized for their unique beauty. The leaves are oval shaped and deep green in color. They have a white stripe down each leaf's middle, along with small-toothed edges. The crown is an elegant, open dome that casts some shade, but still provides dappled sunlight beneath. This tree is a hybrid of Northern Catalpa Birch and Japanese White Birch and does well in USDA zones 4 to 8. It tolerates full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant once established. It will reach heights of 40 to 50 feet and prefers acidic soil. Northern Hybrid Birch is an attractive choice for small spaces.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Air Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Northern Hybrid Birch requires moderate amounts of water. During the growing season, from spring through fall, water the tree deeply and regularly in order to keep the soil consistently moist. In times of drought, water the tree more frequently. During the winter months, when the growth slows, reduce the amount of water, allowing the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.

sunlight

Northern Hybrid Birch (Betula x sandbergii) needs about 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning or early afternoon hours. For optimal growth, the trees should be planted in a location that receives full sun. This species of birch can tolerate some shade, but thrives in bright, sun-filled environments. To maintain a healthy growth pattern, it is important to ensure that the tree is getting enough sunlight throughout the growing season. Avoiding excessive shade and west-facing exposures can help maximize the amount of sunlight the Northern Hybrid Birch receives.

pruning

Northern Hybrid Birch should be pruned once a year in early spring (March or April). This should be done before the new growth begins (which will be around late spring). Pruning should be relatively light, as it is a species that does not benefit greatly from hard pruning. Remove any dead, diseased or crossed branches and shaping is generally accomplished by selectively removing branches and by thinning. When thinning, take out no more than 1/3 of the branches at any 1 time and avoid creating bare spots. This will help the plant to maintain its natural shape and encourage full, dense growth.