BOTANICAL NAME: Betula platyphylla v. japonica ‘Whitespire’

COMMON NAME: Whitespire Birch

PLANT TYPE: Deciduous

MATURE HEIGHT: 30-40’

MATURE WIDTH: 15-25’

FLOWER: Yellow-brown catkins in the early spring.

FOLIAGE: Diamond-shaped dark green foliage during the summer that turns yellow in the fall.

SUNLIGHT: Sun to part shade

WATERING: Turn the water on about 1/4 and let it run for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This should be done once a week for the first 3 weeks and after that about once a month. You may need to move the end of the hose to make sure all areas of the drip line are getting ample amounts of water. If the foliage begins to wilt and turn brown, it needs more moisture.

FERTILIZING: A root stimulator can be used once every 2 to 4 weeks and may be applied from early spring to late fall. Other fertilizers are best used between May 15th and August 15th. If used too early, new growth could be damaged by a late frost. If used late in the season, the new growth may not have time to harden off before winter.

PRUNING: The best time to prune is in the fall. First, remove any damaged, dead, or diseased wood. Then, look at the shape of the plant to determine any other necessary pruning.

NOTES: Whitespire birch do very well in wet conditions and are commonly planted by the corners of a home. They are fast growing and resistant to the bronze birch borer. The bark is white and does not peel.