Betula Pendula Youngii Weeping Birch

Betula Pendula Youngii or Young’s Weeping Birch
Cherished for its striking weeping habit that forms a mushroom-shaped dome, Young’s Weeping Birch is small tree with a wide spread. Betula Pendula Youngii, to give its full botanical name, is a variety of Silver Birch and possesses all the noteworthy qualities of its parent. Due to its particularly stunning shape, this cultivar is an ideal candidate for a focus of interest in the garden.

The thread-like branchlets grow in a drooping, pendulous habit and form an unusual umbrella-shaped canopy. The foliage consists of triangular, serrated leaves, medium green until the autumn when the crown of the tree becomes vibrant golden-yellow. The smooth white bark, a hallmark of the birch species, takes on a black hue as the tree matures.

Young’s Weeping Birch is quite easy to grow and to care for. This ornamental tree will successfully adapt to almost any situation, including poor, waterlogged or clay soils. For optimal performance, grow this variety in moist but well-drained soil. It tolerates full sun to dappled shade. This tree is not bothered by strong winds and can be grown in sheltered and exposed location, as well as in coastal gardens.

First introduced to England in 1870s, Betula Pendula Youngii is fully hardy in the United Kingdom. Tough and enduring, this deciduous tree can adapt to severest European climates, and will not mind harsh winters. Considered a plant of good constitution, reliable performance, and outstanding qualities, this variety is the recipient of the Award of Garden Merit by Royal Horticultural Society.

Once the tree is fully developed, it will be approximately 8 meters high and with a 8 metres spread. The umbrella-shaped, pendulous habit of Young’s Weeping Birch is easy to maintain in perfect shape. There is no need for routine pruning to promote good health and neat form, but this tree will appreciate if you prune out any dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done in early spring, to avoid bleeding of the sap.

To be able to fully appreciate the unique form of Betula Pendula Youngii, grow it as a specimen tree. This cultivar will definitely add character to any landscape and provide multiple seasons of interests, including the winter period when the deciduous foliage drops. Just make sure to account for the ultimate size of the tree when choosing a spot for planting- preferably a large lawn or an area near a patio, where the tree can offer shade during summer heats.