Betula Utilis Jacquemontii Snow Queen

Treasured for its pure white bark, Betula Utilis Jacquemontii Snow Queen is a highly decorative, deciduous tree. More commonly known as Silver Birch Snow Queen, this cultivar is a great choice for a focus tree, or, when planted en masse, a striking border.
Unlike other Silver Birch varieties, Snow Queen’s bark is white even when the tree is young. The papery, snow white, peeling bark provides this deciduous tree year-round interest. In the spring, the green, ovate leaves develop, turning to warm shades of yellow in the autumn. The rich foliage forms an oval crown, which, in contrast with bright white trunk and branches, makes this tree look quite spectacular. Just before the foliage appears on the stems, long, drooping, yellow catkins grace this slender tree.
When it comes to the soil, this variety isn’t particularly fussy. It will thrive in any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained. Quite adaptable, Betula Jacquemontii Snow Queen can survive in a wide range of conditions, but it prefers full sun to partial shade. As for pest and diseases, this tree is fairly resistant and isn’t prone to problems.
Although this tree looks graceful and delicate, don’t let its features fool you - it’s incredibly sturdy and robust. Silver Birch Snow Queen is able to survive even the severest European climates, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that it’s fully hardy in all of the UK. Less vigorous than other Silver Birch varieties, this cultivar has a medium growth rate. When fully mature, this ornamental tree can be up to 7 metres high and 3.5 metres wide. 
Easy to grow, this showy tree is great for beginner gardeners or people who prefer low-maintenance plants. The spreading, bushy habit Snow Queen variety requires no pruning and has a beautiful natural form. In case you want to trim some of the upswept branches to reshape the crown of the tree, do so in the autumn, when the tree is in a dormant phase. This way, you’ll avoid sap bleeding. 
Maybe the most attractive feature of all silver birch varieties is their chalk-white, peeling bark. This specific variety develops the signature white colour of the bark long before any other cultivar, which is why it’s so popular. The elegant, attractive form of this medium sized tree and eye-catching bark make Betula Jacquemontii Snow Queen an ideal candidate for a focus plant, drawing attention whether planted in your front yard or in your garden. 

More varieties of Birch: There are many more types of birch to choose from. See also Silver Birch, Weeping Silver Birch,  Himalayan Birch, Betula Nigra River Birch, Betula Pendula Crispa Swedish Birch, Betula Albosinensis Fascination Chinese Red Birch, Betula Pendula Purpurea Purple Birch or the Betula Papyrifera Paper Birch.