tree RHS Award

Birch

Name: Birch
Brand: Betula
Availability: InStock

Betula 'Royal Frost'

$114.99

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium to high

Humidity

Prefers moderate

Lifespan

40-50 years

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Betula 'Royal Frost' is a hybrid birch (Betula populifolia 'Whitespire' x Betula 'Crimson Frost') known for its striking foliage and bark. It has an upright, pyramidal growth habit. This cultivar is prized for its unique combination of rich burgundy-red foliage that holds its color through summer and its contrasting white, lightly exfoliating bark. The fall color is a mix of yellow, orange, and red.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Royal Frost is a spectacular specimen tree, offering high-impact, four-season interest. The contrast between its rich burgundy foliage and the bright white bark is stunning. In winter, the exfoliating bark and graceful silhouette are a focal point in the landscape.

Its upright, oval form makes it suitable for medium-sized yards where a high-impact tree is desired. It can be planted as a single specimen or in a small grove of three to create a naturalistic, visually powerful statement.

Birch trees support a variety of wildlife. They are host plants for numerous butterfly and moth species. The seeds and catkins are eaten by birds like finches and redpolls, and the trees provide nesting sites.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$114.99

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$185.00

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with moist, acidic, well-drained soil.
Plant in early spring or fall to avoid heat stress.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide.
Gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring it is straight.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 3-4 inch layer of wood chip mulch over the root zone.

Pro Tip

Keep the root zone cool and moist with a thick layer of mulch to help deter the bronze birch borer.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location where the soil will remain cool and moist.
Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
Mulch heavily to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Monitor tree health closely for signs of stress or borers.

Don't

Do not plant in hot, dry locations or in compacted soil.
Avoid planting near heat-reflecting surfaces like driveways or south-facing walls.
Never prune during the growing season (April-August) to avoid attracting borers.
Do not fertilize heavily; birches prefer soil that is not overly rich.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning specimen tree for year-round interestHigh-contrast accent against green backdropsPlanted in groves for a dramatic woodland effect

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Frances Williams' Astilbe 'Fanal' Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' Heuchera 'Obsidian' Carex 'Ice Dance'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Birch questions

What zones can Birch grow in?

Birch is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Birch deer resistant?

Yes — Birch is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Birch bloom?

Birch typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Birch need full sun?

Birch does best in full sun (6+ hours).