Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Title: 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: 2m – 2.8m Approx.
100L: 3m – 3.2m Approx.

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: 3m – 5m

Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 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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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 'Nigra' Black Birch

Betula pendula 'Nigra', the Black Birch, is a fast-growing deciduous tree grown for its dark textured bark, gracefully weeping branches, and golden autumn foliage. The dark bark provides strong winter interest once the leaves fall.

Black Birch grows to 10-20 metres tall and 6-10 metres wide with a slender form and pendulous branches. Green diamond-shaped leaves turn clear yellow in autumn. The trees look their best planted in clusters for an enclosed, enchanted grove effect, or spaced 5-8 metres apart for an open avenue form.

Black Birch performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, Tasmania, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands, and elevated parts of WA and SA, in full sun to part shade. It tolerates frost, coastal wind, and varied soils, and is moderately drought tolerant once established.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch

How tall does Black Birch grow?

Betula pendula 'Nigra' grows to 10-20 metres tall and 6-10 metres wide with a slender weeping form.

How fast does Black Birch grow?

Black Birch is fast-growing, adding 50-80cm per year in cool to temperate climates.

What makes Black Birch different from Silver Birch?

'Nigra' is a dark-barked cultivar of Betula pendula. Where Silver Birch has bright white bark, Black Birch has dark textured bark that gives strong winter contrast.

Is Black Birch deciduous?

Yes. Black Birch is fully deciduous. Diamond-shaped foliage turns golden-yellow in autumn before dropping to reveal the dark bark.

Where in Australia does Black Birch grow best?

Black Birch performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, Tasmania, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands, and elevated parts of WA and SA.

How far apart should I plant Black Birch?

Plant 5-8 metres apart for an open avenue form, or 2 metres for a dense feature grove and multi-stem clump effect.

Are Black Birch roots invasive?

Black birches have moderate, relatively shallow 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 'Nigra' Black Birch works in an:

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

Is Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch Evergreen or Deciduous?

Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m - 20m Approximately

Mature Width: 3m – 5m

Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

Growth Rate of Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch

Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch

Is Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch frost tolerant?

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

Does Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch Flower?

Betula pendula ‘Nigra’ produces slender yellow-brown catkins in early spring before the new leaves emerge. Though modest, these early-season flowers provide a valuable pollen source for native bees and beneficial insects as the tree begins its growth cycle.

Does Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch an Australian Native Tree?

No

Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch is Native to A cultivar of the European Silver Birch (Betula pendula), native to Europe and parts of Asia, selected for its ornamental bark.

What is the Wildlife Value of Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch ?

Its fine, lightly spreading canopy provides shelter for small birds, while its catkins support early-season pollinators such as native bees and hoverflies. The bark and branch structure also encourage insect diversity, contributing to a healthy, biodiverse garden ecosystem.

How much Sunlight does Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch need?

Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Betula pendula ‘Nigra’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or overly wet soils unless improved with organic matter to enhance aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures, particularly during hot or dry spells, to maintain canopy health and bark quality.

Is Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch Drought Tolerant?

Is Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Betula pendula ‘Nigra’ develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best with deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods to support leaf quality and maintain its distinctive dark, textured bark.

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How To Plant Your Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch

Planting Tips: Ensuring a Strong Start

Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun to part shade and well-draining soil.
Digging the Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball but at the same depth to encourage strong root establishment.
Soil Preparation: If needed, improve drainage with compost and coarse sand.
Watering: Deeply water after planting and continue for the first 6–12 months.
Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch

Hedging & Screening: Not typically used – light canopy and narrow form

Feature Tree: 3 m – 5 m – To highlight its striking dark bark and pendulous branches

Avenue Planting Trees: 4 m – 6 m – Elegant form when spaced for light penetration

Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black Birch

Caring for Your Betula nigra

Watering

Establishment Phase (First Year): Water deeply once or twice per week, more frequently in hot or dry conditions.
Mature Plants: Requires minimal watering, except during prolonged drought.

Pruning

Timing: Prune lightly in late summer or early autumn to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
Method: Avoid heavy pruning as birch is susceptible to sap bleeding.

Fertilization

When to Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if soil is deficient in nutrients.
How to Fertilize: Spread around the root zone, avoiding direct contact with the trunk.

Pest & Disease Monitoring

Pests: May be affected by aphids and leaf miners.
Diseases: Susceptible to rust and leaf spot; ensure good air circulation.

Mulching

Benefits: Helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Application: Apply a 5–7 cm organic mulch layer, keeping it a few centimeters away from the trunk.

Winter Care
Betula nigra is hardy and tolerates cold temperatures, requiring no special winter protection

Planting Your Betula pendula 'Nigra' Black 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.