Betula 'Royal Frost'

purple birch

Eventual height & spread

Betula 'Royal Frost'

purple birch

  • 12 litre pot | 1.6m tall
  • £139.99
  • available to order from autumn
Delivery options
  • Standard £12.99
  • Position: full sun or lightly dappled shade
  • Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: fast
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


When grown in a sunny spot, the foliage of this relatively new birch is a rich plum-purple, and this creates a very dramatic effect when teamed with the silvery stems, which develop as the tree matures.

If grown in shadier conditions, the foliage turns a softer hue, with underlying green tints coming through, but in the autumn, they will all turn butter yellow before being shed. Its bold colouring will create an eyecatching contrast against a sea of green, but this handsome tree will also make a fine stand-alone specimen.


  • Garden care:
    When planting, add some soil conditioner (well-rotted compost) to the planting hole and some mycorrhizal fungi to aid root establishment.

    Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the collar of the tree is above ground level.

    Support taller specimens either with a bamboo cane and or stake during establishment. Water generously around the base of the plant.

    Birches need little pruning, but you may want to remove any diseased or crossing branches. It is essential that any pruning work is carried out between late summer to mid winter as the sap will 'bleed' heavily at other times.
  • Goes well with