Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Silver Shadow' 12Llt pot

Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Silver Shadow' — 12ltr Pot

Widely regarded as one of the loveliest of all birches, Betula utilis 'Silver Shadow' is prized for its dazzling, near-flawless white bark — arguably the most unblemished of any Himalayan birch — which peels to reveal subtle silvery-grey tones beneath, providing genuine year-round interest. Dark green, oval, slightly drooping leaves emerge in spring and turn a rich golden yellow in autumn, while conspicuous yellow catkins up to 15cm long create a dramatic show in early spring.

A graceful, medium-sized deciduous tree of neat conical habit, 'Silver Shadow' makes a majestic focal-point specimen even in smaller to medium-sized gardens, and — like other Himalayan birches — is often planted in small groups for extra drama, with the brilliant white trunks creating a striking effect together.

Grow in full sun or partial shade, in any reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil — this variety is tolerant of 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.