Betula utilis subsp. utilis 'Dark-ness' 12ltr pot

Betula utilis subsp. utilis 'Dark-Ness' — 12ltr Pot

A genuine departure from the classic white-barked Himalayan birches, Betula utilis 'Dark-Ness' offers striking dark brown, shiny bark, marked with pale lenticels that stand out beautifully against the deep colour. Dark green foliage covers the branches through spring and summer before turning a buttery yellow in autumn, giving this variety real year-round appeal for anyone wanting something a little different from the usual birch.

An upright, slim, medium-sized deciduous tree, 'Dark-Ness' makes a striking specimen or architectural accent, its dark bark providing a handsome contrast against paler planting or a light-coloured wall or fence.

Grow in full sun or partial shade, in any reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil — this variety tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sand. It's fully hardy (RHS H7), copes with both exposed and sheltered sites, and needs only minimal pruning once established, best carried out between late summer and midwinter to avoid heavy sap "bleeding."

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch, supplied in a 12-litre pot ready for planting straight into its final position.