Species Sargent's Birch

Sargent's Birch

Betula x sargentii

Sargent's Birch is a hybrid species derived from crossing the European White Birch and the Japanese White Birch. It has wide triangular-ovate, dark green leaves up to 2 inches in length and weeping branches that form an inverted cone shape. The bark is silvery-white to brown, and peels off gradually in strips and flakes, like other birch trees. Its cream-colored catkins appear before the leaves in early spring. This ornamental tree is particularly well-suited to host gardens and parks with its beautiful foliage and graceful weeping habit. It prefers full sun and moist soil for optimal growth.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Sargent's Birch (Betula x sargentii) prefers moist, well-drained soils and should be watered regularly during hot, dry periods. During the spring and summer months (April to October), water the soil deeply but infrequently. Aim to give the soil 1 - 2 inches of water once a week, either by rainfall or manual irrigation. During the spring and fall months, water the soil only when it is dry (around every 2 weeks). During the winter months (November to March), water should be reduced or withheld altogether. If the soil feels slightly moist, the plant will get enough moisture from the winter rains.

sunlight

Sargent's Birch (Betula x sargentii) prefers to be grown in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It should also be planted in an open, sunny spot to ensure it gets the full amount of sun it needs. For best results, you should plant Sargent's Birch in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. This species appreciates the warmth and light of the sun while still avoiding the harsh heat of the afternoon and evening.

pruning

Sargent's Birch (Betula x sargentii) should generally be pruned in late winter or early spring to ensure healthy growth once the new season begins. Pruning should be done judiciously to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any crossing branches that may compete for light and space. Keep pruning to a minimum, with only light shaping and thinning when needed. Pruning should never cut more than 1-third of the total length of a branch. Young plants can be headed back, and some selective pruning will be needed as the shrub matures and becomes more dense. This will help suppress the central leader and encourage outward branching for a more full and naturally shaped shrub.