• Stunning dark chocolate bark
• Upright form
• Best planted in full sun
• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Size after 10 years : 6m x 4m
 
Description
Betula utilis 'Wakehurst Place Chocolate' has one of the darkest barks amogst the birch trees. It has a wonderful plain chocolate bark in the early years changing to shades of brown as it ages. In spring, dark green foliage covers the ornamental tree, turning golden during the autumn. The tree itself has an upright growth habit and will grow up to 6m x 4m in 10 years. The original tree at Wakehurst Place was obtained as a graft from the Forrest collection at Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. The variety received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
 
Planting Position
Like most birch it is fairly cosmopolitan in its soil preferences and soil pH but does prefer moist and well drained soil. For most ornamental effect, it is best planted in full sun.
 
Attributes
A deciduous eye-catching birch that will create a great visual impact when underplanted with contrasting shrubs. Often the impact of these birches is improved when planted in groups of 3 or 5.
 
Size 
Height and spread after 10 years : 6m x 4m