Betula Pendula Spider Alley Birch

Betula Alba Spider Alley Birch is an unusual choice of deciduous silver birch with twisted branches that elegantly feather out into a spidery form. In spring Spider Alley Birch sprouts fresh new foliage as the warmer weather arrives and before long the whole tree is covered in new green heart-shaped serrated leaves. In summer the leaves darken and small catkins are produced before autumn arrives to turn the foliage a warm golden shade. As foliage falls in the frosty weather its white feature branches are uncovered.

Without foliage it’s easy to see why this is called Spider Alley Birch. Its twisted form corkscrews to a narrow head with weeping branches reaching down. As the tree ages it produces a brighter, white fissured bark with dark earthy brown markings. The peeling bark is silver-white with patches of pink and red on the younger branches.

This is a beautiful tree with a lot of character that is loved by children and adults for its unusual features throughout the year.

Height and Spread of Betula Alba Spider Alley
The Spider Alley Birch will grow to a maximum height of 8 metres and spread over 2. It is a relatively small compact tree that works well in smaller outside spaces.

How Hardy Is Betula Alba Spider Alley
All birch trees are hardy and this cultivar will withstand subzero temperatures in the UK. Once established it will cope with winds, snows and pollution.

How To Use Betula Alba Spider Alley
The Spider Alley Birch is a statement tree that adds interest to the garden all year round. Its feathery, fluttering foliage is attractive right through to its autumnal colour and white winter silhouette. Small gardens can use Betula Alba Spider Alley as a statement tree in the border or in the centre of a lawn. It also creates a privacy screen during summer without taking up too much width.It works well against a dark background with red and yellow dogwoods which will glow in the winter sunshine too. Plant yours in view of the window so you can admire its year round changes and statement winter coat. The smaller twisted branches look stunning in cut flower displays.

How To Care For Betula Alba Spider Alley
This cultivar of silver birch needs little care to keep it looking good. Plant yours in moist but well-drained soil of any type or pH. Birch generally like damper soils, so if you have an area of garden that doesn’t dry out, this is the perfect choice. Mulch young specimens and give them plenty of water in the summer months so they can establish a strong root system. No pruning is required, in fact it damages the spidery, twisted branches, so it’s best to leave it as nature intended.

This is a wonderful birch tree with snaking stems and branches that bring a real impact in small to medium sized gardens.