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Dwarf birch among ornamental shrubs and trees
Decorative birch is small in size and beautiful crown shape. It is suitable for creating group compositions and single landings.
Description of dwarf decorative birch
Decorative birch is suitable for creating bonsai
Dwarf birch is visually different from ordinary birch, although it is its close relative. It grows in Siberia, Kamchatka, North Korea and America. Its habitat is the northern regions.
The tree is very resilient as it has been hardened by the harsh climatic conditions. Life expectancy is up to 120 years.
Description of birch:
- It is a shrub with a spreading, rounded, but not dense crown. The height is 1-2 m. Some varieties grow up to 4-6 m. The bark is dark, begins to turn white from the age of 9 years. Shoots can rise up or creep along the ground, grow very slowly.
- The leaves are round, small, 1,5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. They are dark green in color, on the back side – light green. In autumn they turn yellow and red.
- Birch blossoms until the leaves have blossomed. Earrings are yellow-green in color, 5-15 mm long, 2 mm in diameter.
- Fruits appear from May to June. They are nuts up to 2 mm in length and 1 mm in width, there are wings on the sides.
Birch loves light. If there is not enough sunlight for her, she may die or lose her decorative effect. Not demanding on the soil, drought-resistant.
Decorative varieties of dwarf birch
Dwarf trees grow slowly, but their shoots descend beautifully to the ground. They are ideal for small areas. Despite their small size, they need a lot of free space. No other trees and shrubs, especially fruit trees, should be planted at a distance of 3 m. Dwarf birch is a type of weeping birch.
The most popular are such varieties:
- Yoongi. The trees grow up to 6 m in height, the annual growth is 30 cm. The crown is spreading, resembles an open umbrella, the branches fall to the ground. The leaves are diamond-shaped, long earrings appear in April.
- Golden Treasure. The birch grows up to 80 cm in height. The crown is dense, no more than 1,5 m in diameter. Leaves 5-15 mm long.
Among all ornamental trees and shrubs, dwarf birch is characterized by increased frost resistance. Can grow in flooded areas.
Decorative varieties are suitable for creating hedges, arranging ponds, rock gardens, rocky gardens. Trees can be planted near houses or even in a flower bed.