{"product_id":"betula-pendula-fastigiata-8-10cm-girth-root-ball-delivery-november-onwards","title":"Betula pen. Fastigiata 8\/10cm Girth Root Ball Delivery November Onwards","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBetula pendula 'Fastigiata' – Columnar Silver Birch with Striking White Bark \u0026amp; Space-Saving Elegance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBetula pendula\u003c\/em\u003e 'Fastigiata', the fastigiate silver birch, is a distinguished ornamental tree prized for its slender, columnar habit and the classic silver-white bark that has made silver birch one of Britain's most beloved native trees. Where the species spreads wide, 'Fastigiata' reaches skyward in a neat, upright column — making it an outstanding choice for formal gardens, narrow borders, avenues, and landscapes where space is at a premium but vertical impact is everything. Fully hardy and long-lived, this is a tree that rewards year after year with seasonal colour, architectural form, and year-round garden presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSeasonal Beauty \u0026amp; Growth\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delicate, bright green leaves emerge along tightly upswept branches, bringing the tree to life after the dormant season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The canopy fills with rich, fresh green foliage that shimmers in the breeze, casting elegant dappled shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutumn:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leaves turn a warm, glowing golden-yellow before falling, creating a striking seasonal display against the pale bark.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e The brilliant silver-white bark and clean upright silhouette command attention in the garden even when bare, providing exceptional structural interest through the coldest months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStructure \u0026amp; Form\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Distinctly columnar and fastigiate — branches sweep upward closely rather than spreading outward, creating a tall, narrow crown unlike the weeping form of the standard silver birch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBark:\u003c\/strong\u003e The hallmark bright silver-white bark, which develops attractive dark fissures toward the base with age, provides year-round visual interest and texture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small, triangular, finely serrated green leaves offer a light, airy quality to the canopy, moving gracefully in the wind.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCatkins:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pendulous yellow-brown catkins appear in early spring, adding further seasonal charm before the leaves emerge fully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically reaches 10–15m in height at maturity with a notably narrow spread, making it one of the most space-efficient columnar trees available.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect for Various Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNarrow Gardens \u0026amp; Urban Spaces\u003c\/strong\u003e – The tight columnar form makes 'Fastigiata' ideal wherever horizontal space is limited but height is desired.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormal Avenues \u0026amp; Driveways\u003c\/strong\u003e – Plant in repeating lines to create a dramatic, structured avenue with year-round elegance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecimen \u0026amp; Focal Point\u003c\/strong\u003e – Use as a standalone statement tree where its upright form and luminous bark draw the eye from across the garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScreening \u0026amp; Boundaries\u003c\/strong\u003e – The vertical habit provides effective, attractive screening without casting excessive shade or encroaching on neighbouring planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eParks \u0026amp; Public Landscapes\u003c\/strong\u003e – Its neat habit and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for managed public spaces and civic planting schemes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives in full sun to partial shade; best form and bark colour are achieved in an open, well-lit site.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prefers moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Tolerates a range of soil types including sandy and loamy soils; avoid waterlogged or heavy clay conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully hardy throughout the UK and across a wide range of northern European climates, tolerating hard frosts and exposed positions with ease.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife:\u003c\/strong\u003e Like all birches, 'Fastigiata' supports a rich range of wildlife, including insects, caterpillars, and birds that feed on its seeds and invertebrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare \u0026amp; Pruning\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during the first growing season after planting to help establish a strong root system. Once established, the tree is largely self-sufficient in normal UK conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal pruning is required to maintain the natural columnar form. If necessary, prune only during late summer to autumn — birches bleed sap heavily if cut in late winter or spring, so avoid pruning during this period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeadwood:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed to keep the canopy healthy and well-structured.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth, particularly in poorer soils.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulching:\u003c\/strong\u003e A layer of organic mulch around the base helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the root zone — particularly beneficial in the establishment years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect Plant Combinations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvergreen Hedging\u003c\/strong\u003e – Contrast the pale bark and airy canopy against a dark backdrop of \u003cem\u003eTaxus baccata\u003c\/em\u003e (yew) or \u003cem\u003eFagus sylvatica\u003c\/em\u003e hedge to create a dramatic formal planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrnamental Grasses\u003c\/strong\u003e – Underplant with \u003cem\u003eMiscanthus\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eDeschampsia\u003c\/em\u003e for graceful movement and texture that echoes the birch's own light, a\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57471936266566,"sku":"174095","price":141.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/files\/Betula-Pendula-Fastigiata-8-10cm-Girth_171646_2026-05-05.jpg?v=1790591343","url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/betula-pendula-fastigiata-8-10cm-girth-root-ball-delivery-november-onwards","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}