Chinese Red Birch

One of the most beautiful of all birches, this variety is prized for its exquisite peeling bark. The trunk displays an extraordinary range of colours, from coppery-pink and cream to honey and orange-brown, often with a white bloom or 'powder' on new surfaces. As the bark peels away in thin, papery layers, it reveals the fresh, glowing colours beneath. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree with an open, airy canopy and oval, dark green leaves that turn a clear yellow in autumn. Fully hardy (H6) in the UK, it is a reliable choice for adding winter interest to the garden. It prefers moist but well-drained soil and will grow in most types, though it dislikes very dry sites. Plant it where the stem can be caught by the low winter sun to highlight the bark's texture and colour. It looks particularly effective when planted in small groups or as a focal point near a path.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr.