Betula ermanii 'Polar Bear' Birch tree in pot

Have a question? Check out our FAQs

Betula ermanii 'Polar Bear' Tree

Name: Betula ermanii 'Polar Bear' Tree
Brand: Ornamental Trees
SKU: BEP.SS.12.1
Price: 90.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

Erman's Birch Trees

Single stem tree, 150-200cm, 12L pot

£90

£90 ~~£90~~

Despatched within 1-3 weeks

Final size 6 x 4 metres in 20 years

Foliage Green leaves turn yellow in autumn (deciduous)

Bark White bark provides year-round interest

Position Full sun to part shade

Soil Wet-tolerant / drought-tolerant

View full details

Product Details

Planting & Care

Delivery Information

Description

The bark of Betula 'Polar Bear' develops its stunning white complexion at a young age and is said to look like a magnificent polar bear due to its impressive branches. More commonly known as Erman’s birch trees, they will grow to 6 x 4 metres in 20 years and are suited to exposed inland sites.

The Polar Bear tree is tolerant of most except extreme soil types and will do well in sunny to partly shaded spots. The foliage is dark green and emerges alongside long attractive yellow/brown catkins in the Spring. The glorious yellow autumn colours that emerge compliment the white exfoliating bark making Betula ermanii 'Polar Bear' a beautiful year round, feature tree.

Planting Steps

1Preparation

Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.

2Planting

Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.

3Last Steps

Water generously around the base of the plant.
If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.

Aftercare Advice

Birch trees require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. Unlike many species, Birch prefer wet soil than dry. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.

Established Birch trees require minimal pruning and do not take well to hard pruning, as this increases light at the base of the tree, which in turn increases soil temperature and decreases moisture levels. Simply remove lateral shoots to maintain a clear trunk and prune any diseased or damaged branches. Pruning should be carried out in late summer to mid-winter. Birch trees bleed heavily at other times of the year, especially late winter.

Tip: to keep the colourful bark looking its best, you can wash it using water and a sponge.

For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.

MAINLAND UK — excluding remote locations
Small trees & shrubs*: £12 for 1 or more
Larger shrubs & mature Japanese Maples: £35 for 1 or more
Mature, Pleached, Hedging & Specialist Trees: £65 for 1 or more

REMOTE UK LOCATIONS — including Scottish Highlands & Islands
Small trees & shrubs*: £35 for 1 or more
Larger shrubs & mature Japanese Maples: £65 for 1 or more
Mature, Pleached, Hedging & Specialist Trees: £120 for 1 or more

*Small trees & shrubs are typically supplied in pots up to 15 litres.
Additional remote-location surcharges may apply.
Unfortunately, we are not able to make delivery of live plants to Northern Ireland or any countries outside of the UK.

Find out more