Betula Black Prince
Notify MeBetula Black Prince is a striking cultivar of river birch known for its deeply textured, dark peeling bark that adds year-round interest. Its upright, spreading habit supports a canopy of diamond-shaped green leaves that turn buttery yellow in Autumn. This deciduous tree brings a refined yet natural character to the landscape with its distinctive bark and elegant form.
An excellent choice for woodland, native, and contemporary gardens, it works well as a specimen tree or as part of a mixed planting in larger spaces.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil. Tolerates occasional wetness, making it suitable for low-lying or riparian areas. Allow space for its wide canopy to develop fully.
Mature size reaches approximately 10–12 metres tall with a broad, spreading canopy up to 8 metres wide.
Trimming: Minimal trimming required. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late summer or early autumn to reduce the risk of sap bleeding. For hedging or shaped specimens, light formative pruning may be done while the plant is dormant (mid-late autumn).
Deadheading: Not applicable, as birches are not flowering plants in the ornamental sense.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth, especially in young or container-grown trees.
Watering: Water regularly during the first 1–2 years after planting. Once established, Betula tolerates short dry periods but benefits from deep watering during prolonged drought, particularly in sandy or free-draining soils.
Pest Control: Watch for aphids and birch leaf miners. Aphids may cause leaf distortion; control with a strong water spray or insecticidal soap. Leaf miners cause brown trails – prune affected leaves if possible or apply a targeted insecticide early in the season.
Disease Management: Susceptible to birch dieback and fungal leaf spots. Dieback causes branch tip death; prune out affected parts and dispose of them. Leaf spots appear as dark lesions; improve air circulation and remove fallen leaves to reduce reinfection. Avoid overhead watering.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
