Betula utilis subsp. utilis 'Wakehurst Place Chocolate' 12ltr pot

Betula utilis subsp. utilis 'Wakehurst Place Chocolate' — 12L Pot

An unusual and much-admired birch, 'Wakehurst Place Chocolate' is grown for bark that does the opposite of most white-stemmed birches: rather than peeling to reveal pale layers, it develops a deep, rich chocolate-brown that matures through shades of bronze, copper and pale brown. It's a particularly effective choice planted alongside silver or white-barked birches, where the contrast makes both varieties stand out. Oval green leaves turn a clear yellow in autumn, and the tree carries a naturally bushy, spreading habit.

Grow in full sun or partial shade, in any reasonably moist, well-drained soil — it copes with clay, loam, sand and chalk alike, and tolerates a damp site better than many birches. Expect an eventual height of 8–12m with a spread of 4–8m over 20–50 years, making it a long-term but distinctive addition to a garden with room to let it develop.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.