Betula Nigra Summer Cascade River Birch

Deciduous Betula Nigra are beautiful fast-growing trees with remarkable pink-orange shaggy bark & tolerance of wet soil conditions. The cultivar Betula Nigra Summer Cascade is a beautiful deciduous river birch tree that goes by several other names including River Birch Summer Cascade and Weeping River Birch. This stunning small compact weeping variety of birch loves damp soil and is perfect planted near ponds, rivers or in areas prone to temporary flooding.

In spring dark green serrated foliage appears covering long pendulous branches in small heart shapes. In early summer the foliage is joined by small catkins that often last until winter. As autumn approaches the leaves turn a rich golden yellow and fall to reveal the beautiful pink-orange peeling trunk and branches that are tinged with pink. River Birch Summer Cascade has a rounded form with gently weeping branches that sits gracefully in a garden arrangement.

Height and Spread of Betula Nigra Summer Cascade
Weeping River Birch is a small compact birch that will grow to a maximum size of 6 metres in height by 4 metres in width. It will take 20 years to reach these proportions in the most favourable grounds. Because it has a low canopy, it’s possible to use Summer Cascade as a spreading shrub to cover a large patch of ground.

How Hardy Is Betula Nigra Summer Cascade
River Birch Summer Cascade is extremely hardy down to sub-zero temperatures. It can tolerate exposed windy sites, waterlogged conditions, and is remarkably pollution tolerant and hardy during hot summers too.

How To Use Betula Nigra Summer Cascade
Betula Nigra Summer Cascade is a classic example of a year round feature tree. It’s whippy, arching branches look stunning covered in foliage and without it, when the peeling white bark with pink and orange tones show though, it brightens a winter scene.

If you love weeping willow but don’t have the room, this is an excellent alternative for smaller gardens. Grow it near your pond or next to a water feature to reflect its attractive bark.

A black background enhances the stunning colours of Weeping River Birch all year round. Try arranging it with red dogwoods for a real winter statement. Alternatively, Weeping River Birch is the perfect tree for an island feature or for a garden with Eastern themes.

How To Care For Betula Nigra Summer Cascade
Full light or dappled shade suits this river birch and it will grow in most soils. Although it prefers more acidic soil it will tolerate chalkier grounds too. A wet situation suits Summer Cascade perfectly particularly when it’s coupled with a light sunny spot.

There is no need to prune Weeping River Birch as it naturally forms a compact, pendulous canopy, but you can remove any broken stems in summer if need be.

An annual thick layer of mulch around the roots will boost its health in early spring ensuring a bright display or green foliage and shiny coloured bark in the winter months. If you have chalkier soils mulch will help prevent any yellowing of the leaves.

If you have a wet garden or a water feature this compact river birch with weeping branches is the perfect accompaniment. It’s low maintenance, beautiful and provides plenty of winter interest.