Betula costata
Notify MeBetula costata is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its creamy-white, fissured bark and finely serrated green foliage that turns golden yellow in Autumn. Native to East Asia, this birch species has a tall, upright habit and offers year-round visual appeal through its bark texture and seasonal colour changes.
A refined addition to woodland, naturalistic, and cool-climate gardens, it also works well as a specimen tree or in avenue plantings.
Prefers full sun to light shade and thrives in moist, well-draining soil. Performs best in sheltered locations with consistent moisture, particularly during establishment. Allow generous spacing to accommodate its mature form.
Mature size reaches 15–20 metres tall with a narrow to rounded crown spreading 6–8 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.
