Product description
Betula utilis jacquemontii more commonly known as the Grayswood Ghost or Himalayan Birch Tree is a small deciduous tree, so it will lose all its leaves in Autumn, then fresh foliage appears again in Spring. This foliage makes an ovate or conical crown, with glossy green leaves which turn yellow in Autumn. The Grayswood Ghost as the name suggests produces ghostly white bark, which fully develops when the tree is around 8 years old.
The Grayswood Ghost is an ideal specimen tree with great Winter interest and is of a hardy variety that will tolerate most soils types and weather conditions.
The Betula utilis jacquemontii is one of the smaller and slower growing birch trees. With a slightly upright and curved form. This variety of birch was discovered in a garden in Grayswood Hill, Haslemere, Surrey in 1956.
Established Grayswood Ghost trees do not require pruning and do not cope well with excessive or hard pruning. Simply remove the lateral shoots to preserve a clear trunk. Pruning should only be carried out in the late Summer as Birch trees bleed heavily at all other times of the year.
Himalayan Birch Tree
Betula 'Grayswood Ghost'
Betula 'Grayswood Ghost'
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Product description
Betula utilis jacquemontii more commonly known as the Grayswood Ghost or Himalayan Birch Tree is a small deciduous tree, so it will lose all its leaves in Autumn, then fresh foliage appears again in Spring. This foliage makes an ovate or conical crown, with glossy green leaves which turn yellow in Autumn. The Grayswood Ghost as the name suggests produces ghostly white bark, which fully develops when the tree is around 8 years old.
The Grayswood Ghost is an ideal specimen tree with great Winter interest and is of a hardy variety that will tolerate most soils types and weather conditions.
The Betula utilis jacquemontii is one of the smaller and slower growing birch trees. With a slightly upright and curved form. This variety of birch was discovered in a garden in Grayswood Hill, Haslemere, Surrey in 1956.
Established Grayswood Ghost trees do not require pruning and do not cope well with excessive or hard pruning. Simply remove the lateral shoots to preserve a clear trunk. Pruning should only be carried out in the late Summer as Birch trees bleed heavily at all other times of the year.
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Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune Betula trees during their dormant period in late autumn or winter to prevent sap loss. Remove dead or damaged branches and thin out the canopy to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can stress the tree. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth, and consider planting Betula in groups for a stunning naturalistic effect in your garden.
How to Water
Water newly planted Betula trees deeply and regularly during the first year to establish their root system, especially in dry spells. Mature Betula trees generally require less frequent watering but benefit from additional hydration during prolonged dry periods or hot summers. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Early morning watering is ideal, as it allows excess moisture to evaporate during the day, preventing fungal diseases.
How to Plant
To plant Betula trees, select a sunny or partially shaded location with moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Gently loosen the roots before placing the tree into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole, firm the soil, and water thoroughly to settle the roots. Add a mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent rot.
