Betula Pendula Fastigiata Joes Silver Birch

Betula Pendula Fastigiata Joes, more commonly called Silver Birch Fastigiata Joes, is a stiffly upright silver birch variety with the white bark we all love, but with a tall and narrow shape perfect for small gardens. It was shortlisted for Plant of the Year at the 2017 Chelsea Flower Show. This Dutch cultivar is Synonymous with Betula pendula Jolep1 or Fastigiated Birch.

In spring this deciduous birch sprouts small green serrated leaves that quickly form a dense upright column of fluttering foliage from tip to toe. In summer foliage darkens to a deep green, and small catkins appear that hold on until winter. In late autumn leaves turn a buttery yellow and orange before they eventually fall with the frost and winds – although this happens later than other varieties of birch.

Usually a tree losing its foliage creates a bare sight, but silver birch trees come into their own during the winter months when their white bark is showed to its full extent. Its twisting branches spiral skyward to give plenty of winter interest. 

Fastigiata develops silvery white bark with fissures as the specimen ages. It’s not as bright as other varieties such as Betula Nigra Summer Cascade, but it is enough to glow in the winter sun and brighten a garden.

Height and Spread of Betula Pendula Fastigiata Joes
Silver Birch Fastigiata Joes will grow to a maximum of 7-12 metres and spread half a metre to a metre across. Its keeps a columnar silhouette with one of the narrowest growth habits around.

How Hardy Is Betula Pendula Fastigiata Joes
Silver birch trees are completely hardy in the UK and Silver Birch Fastigiata Joes is no exception. It will tolerate rain, wind, snow and temporary flooding in sub zero winters once established.

How To Use Betula Pendula Fastigiata Joes
This is the perfect tree for small gardens as it lends interest all year round, but takes up little width. Use it as a specimen tree in a border or lawn, or position one to block a neighbour’s view. A row of Silver Birch Fastigiata Joes makes the perfect summer wind break and privacy screen. Larger gardens can use this narrow tree to mark pathways, statues or pagodas.

Family friendly gardens benefit from silver birch trees because children love to peel the bark and touch the fissured wood. Its bright white winter colouring brings a good deal of light into your garden especially if it’s planted against a dark fence line.

How To Care For Betula Pendula Fastigiata Joes
Silver Birch Fastigiata Joes needs little maintenance once established. It will thrive in moist, well drained soils, but will do well in almost all garden situations. It does not need a particular soil or Ph, but if you have a damp garden this is a good choice. A sunny to partially shady spot will be appreciated, and you should water and mulch young trees until they are established. No pruning is necessary.

If you have a small garden and want the beauty of a white, twisted silver birch this is a top choice. Its low maintenance, takes little room and brings plenty of year round character to any sized garden.