Purple Leaf Birch ( Betula pendula ‘Purpurea’ ) is a purple leaved variety of the ever popular Silver Birch, the leaves can vary in colour in their depth of purple at different times of the year, the colour is more like a deep burgundy. The species is native to parts of Britain, Europe, and Asia in the cold and temperate regions. Purple Birch is not suitable for growing in humid, tropical areas.
This tree is still fairly unknown here in Australia but is fabulous as an ornamental feature tree in gardens, and like its silver family member; is also suitable for planting in built up industrial areas; because its roots are relatively small, and it copes very well with pollution. The tree is also very low maintenance and wind tolerant.
Another common name for the Betula pendula ‘Purpurea’ is Crimson Frost Birch.
Growth
Purple birch is fast growing, has the slender silvery-white trunk of the ‘Silver Birch’ but its young branches are also purplish on colour; it can reach heights around 10 metres. The leaves of this tree are triangular in shape with a serrated edge and turn from purple to a brown-green and then to red in autumn, branches are pendula, so droop. The flowers (catkins) can be either male or female, both are found on the same tree; the female catkin is shorter than the male.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Betulaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Temperate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-40 to 38°C / -40 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Suitable for most types of soil but grows best in fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 10 metres (32 feet)
WIDTH:
3-4 metres (9-12 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous. Fast growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium dependent on area, somewhat drought tolerant.
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated. Monoecious – both male and female flowers are found on the same plant.
MATURITY:
10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
48-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-6 weeks post cold stratification.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
3500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, leaves, sap, twigs, catkins & inner bark. Please note taking sap and inner bark from a tree must be done carefully to avoid permanent damage to the tree’s health.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT BETULA PENDULA PURPUREA (Purple Birch)
In Celtic mythology, the Birch symbolises purification and renewal. Birch sticks were used to herd cattle because it was believed that an infertile cow, would become fertile and would encourage the birth of a healthy calf in an already pregnant; cow – as it was also a symbol of love and fertility.
Betula has strong wood that is used to make furniture; kitchen utensils and even skis and race course jumps!
The Betula pendula ‘Purpurea’ although fast growing does not grow as fast as its silver counterpart, nor does it grow as large.
