Chinese red birch
Betula utilis
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size30 to 40 feet tall18 to 25 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Light brown catkins
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Chinese red birch (Betula utilis) is a tree for borders, containers, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. Light brown catkins appear on the branches, and the tree tolerates drought. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Give it room, since it grows into a large tree.
Pairs well with Apricot, Japanese forest grass, Green Velvet buxus, and Ornamental onion.
Native range
Himalayas.