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Silver Shadow

'Silver Shadow' is perhaps the best-known representative of the species Betula utilis jacquemontii, the Himalayan birch, and one of the loveliest of birch trees.

Silver Shadow birch trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £49.95
    In a 12L pot
    Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
Pre-ordering
You can pre-order now for delivery from August 2021. You do not need to pay at this stage - just add items to the basket and checkout as usual.

How to grow

'Silver Shadow' does best in full sun in soils which are slightly acidic.

History

'Silver Shadow' is one of the earliest commercial varieties of the Himalayan birch sub-species Betula utilis jacquemontii. The original tree came from a collection in Edinburgh and was propagated by the Hillier Nursery of Hampshire. Another variety of this species that was also named at Hillier Nursery, Jermyns, is very similar.

Silver Shadow characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
  • Attractive featuresAttractive tree / plantAttractive barkAttractive foliageWinter colour
  • Growth habitUpright-spreading
  • Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • SunlightPrefers full sun
  • PruningDo not prune
  • Growth rateAverage
  • Site conditionsOccasional floodingOccasional drought
  • Flowering monthFebruary
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • BarkWhite
  • Country of originUnited Kingdom
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

  • Betula utilis jacquemontii
    Jermyns
    Jermyns is a variety of the Himalayan birch, notable for its bright white bark and large catkins.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.

Betula Grayswood Ghost himalayan birch tree