Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 2.0 - 2.2m Approx.
100L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m - 20m Approximately

Mature Width: 5m – 6m

Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 75 cm per year.

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping Cost

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

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Contact Us

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

Discounts Apply Automatically At Checkout

About Your New Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch

Betula pendula 'Alba' is the classic Silver Birch, admired for its brilliant white peeling bark, light airy canopy, and elegant drooping branches that bring year-round structure and softness to the garden.

Silver Birch 'Alba' grows to 15-20 metres tall and 8-10 metres wide with a slender upright form. Fine green leaves turn golden-yellow in autumn before dropping to reveal the striking white bark. It looks especially effective planted in loose clusters, as an avenue, or as a seasonal contrast against darker evergreen foliage.

Silver Birch tolerates urban conditions and a range of soils, performing best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, Tasmania, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands, and elevated parts of WA and SA. It prefers full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch

How tall does Silver Birch 'Alba' grow?

Betula pendula 'Alba' grows to 15-20 metres tall and 8-10 metres wide with a slender upright form and gracefully pendulous branches.

How fast does Silver Birch grow?

Silver Birch 'Alba' has a moderate growth rate of 50-80cm per year in cool to temperate climates.

Where in Australia does Silver Birch grow best?

Silver Birch 'Alba' performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, Tasmania, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands, and elevated parts of WA and SA. It struggles in hot tropical climates.

Is Silver Birch 'Alba' deciduous?

Yes. Silver Birch is fully deciduous. Foliage turns golden-yellow in autumn before dropping in winter, revealing the striking white bark that gives the tree its name.

What is the difference between 'Alba' and 'Moss White' Silver Birch?

Both are white-bark cultivars of Betula pendula. 'Alba' is the classic species form, growing taller (15-20m) with a more open habit. 'Moss White' is a selected cultivar with even brighter white bark and a slightly more compact form. Both are excellent feature trees.

How far apart should I plant Silver Birch for an avenue?

Plant 3-5 metres apart depending on canopy spread. For dense feature groves or clumped plantings, 2 metres also works well to create a multi-stem effect.

Are Silver Birch roots invasive?

Silver birches have moderate root systems. Plant at least 3 metres from buildings, paving and pools to avoid issues.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

Type:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Screening or Privacy
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch Evergreen or Deciduous?

Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m - 20m Approximately

Mature Width: 5m – 6m

Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 75 cm per year.

Growth Rate of Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch

Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 75 cm per year.

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch

Is Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch frost tolerant?

Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch Flower?

Betula pendula ‘Alba’ produces slender yellow-brown catkins in early spring before the new leaves emerge. While subtle, these early-season flowers provide pollen for beneficial insects and mark the start of its fresh annual growth.

Does Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch an Australian Native Tree?

No

Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch is Native to Native to Europe and parts of Asia, where Betula pendula grows in woodlands and open landscapes. ‘Alba’ is a selected form admired for its enhanced bark colour.

What is the Wildlife Value of Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch ?

Its fine, airy canopy provides shelter for small birds, while its spring catkins support native bees and other early pollinators. The textured bark and branching structure also foster insects that contribute to a richer, more biodiverse garden ecosystem.

How much Sunlight does Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch need?

Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Betula pendula ‘Alba’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or compacted soils unless improved with organic matter to enhance aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then provide deep, occasional watering as the tree matures, particularly during hot or dry periods, to support its graceful habit and overall health.

Is Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch Drought Tolerant?

Is Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Betula pendula ‘Alba’ develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in cooler climates or with deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods to maintain leaf quality and canopy vigour.

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How To Plant Your Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch

How to Plant Betula pendula 'Alba'

Location Selection: Opt for a well-drained location with good sunlight exposure.
Soil Preparation: Though adaptable, slightly acidic to neutral soil is preferred.
Digging: Dig a hole that's about twice the size of the root ball.
Planting: Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently tamp down.
Initial Watering: Ensure the soil is moist, especially immediately after planting.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch

Hedging & Screening: Not typically used – sparse lower branching

Feature Tree: 3 m – 5 m – Requires space for elegant branching and dappled light

Avenue Planting Trees: 4 m – 6 m – Stunning in large groupings or formal rows

Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 75 cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch

Caring for Betula pendula 'Alba'

Watering: Water regularly, especially in dry spells, until the tree is well established.
Mulching: Use organic mulch to help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning: Light pruning can be done to shape the tree and remove dead or damaged branches.

Planting Your Betula pendula 'Alba' Silver Birch in Different Soil

Enhancing Soil for Elegant Growth and Visual Appeal

Ideal Drainage: Betula pendula varieties thrive best in well-drained, moist soils.

Well-Draining Soil: This soil type is excellent for promoting healthy growth and the striking appearance of Silver Birch.

If you have the following soil, here are some tips for you:

Sandy Soil: Good for drainage but may require additional organic matter to retain moisture and nutrients.
Clay Soil: Can be made suitable by amending with organic compost and sand to improve structure and moisture management.
Loamy Soil: An ideal substrate; enhance with organic matter to ensure continued moisture retention and nutrient availability.
Peaty Soil: Ensure it is well-drained; mix in perlite or coarse sand to provide the right balance for healthy birch growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Silver Birch stand out in winter? The tree's distinctive white bark is particularly striking against winter landscapes.
Can it thrive in urban areas? Yes, it's resilient to many urban conditions, including air pollution.
When does the foliage colour change? The green leaves turn golden-yellow in the autumn.