Betula pendula 'Alba' - Silver Birch - Evergreen Trees Direct

Betula pendula 'Alba' - Silver Birch

Name: Betula pendula 'Alba' - Silver Birch
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: BETUPENDALB100L
Price: 620.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$620.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 100L

100L 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

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

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Betula pendula 'Alba' - Silver Birch

Betula pendula 'Alba' – Silver Birch is a tall, deciduous tree admired for its brilliant white bark and light, airy canopy. Growing up to 15 metres, it features fine green leaves that turn golden in autumn and elegant drooping branches that bring year-round structure and softness to the garden.

Tolerant of urban conditions and a range of soils, Betula pendula 'Alba' – Silver Birch suits feature planting, avenue lines, and naturalistic groupings. Looks excellent when planted in loose clusters or as a seasonal contrast against darker foliage or evergreens. Performs best in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / 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.

Frost Tolerance

Is Betula pendula 'Alba' - Silver Birch frost tolerant?

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

Flowering Information

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.

Native Information

Is Betula pendula 'Alba' - Silver Birch an Australian Native? 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.

Wildlife Value

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.

Sunlight Information

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

Full Sun

Preffered 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.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Silver Birch

Genus: Betula

Botanical Species: Betula pendula

Family: Betulaceae

Botanical Name: Betula pendula 'Alba'

Landscape Uses

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.

Planting, Spacing & Care

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

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)

Ideal Conditions

Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

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.

Flowering Information

Does Betula pendula 'Alba' - Silver Birch flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

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.