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Fascination

Betula albosinensis
Fascination birch bark
Fascination has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit

'Fascination' is one of the more upright birch varieties, making it a good choice for smaller gardens.

The main feature of 'Fascination' is the striking copper-orange bark, which peels to reveal white-pink layers underneath.

'Fascination' also has perhaps the longest catkins of any birch tree.

Fascination birch trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £77.00
    In a 12L pot
    Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
Next deliveries

Order now for delivery from week commencing 6th January.

How to grow

'Fascination' is a vigorous birch, likely to reach 5m - 6m after 10 years.

History

'Fascination' is usually now considered to belong to the species Betula albosinensis, the Chinese Red Birch - and its coppery peeling bark is certainly similar to others of that species. However when it was discovered in the 1970s in a batch of trees at a Dutch nursery it was originally placed in the Himalayan birches (Betula utilis).

Fascination characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 2012
  • Attractive featuresAttractive tree / plantAttractive barkWinter colour
  • Growth habitUpright-spreading / Vase
  • Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • SunlightPrefers full sun
  • PruningDo not prune
  • Growth rateAverage
  • Site conditionsOccasional floodingOccasional drought
  • Flowering monthFebruary
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • BarkBrown - light
  • Country of originNetherlands
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

  • Betula utilis jacquemontii
    Trinity College
    Trinity College is another of the more upright compact birch varieties.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.

Betula alba Fascination birch tree