Betula albosinensis 'Red Panda' Tree

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Betula albsoinensis Red Panda catkins and foliage

Betula albsoinensis Red Panda field staked tree

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Low

Dry Soil: High

Lime: Medium

Betula albosinensis ‘Red Panda’, also known as the Chinese Red Birch or Chinese Red Panda is a captivating deciduous tree. The seed for this enchanting species was collected from Hubei province, China in the 1980s by Steven Spongberg. It is a favourite here at Hillier Trees.

Leaves are oval-shaped and serrated and measure around 2-4 inches in length. They emerge in spring as fresh and vibrant green and transform to a buttery-yellow in autumn. Yellow-brown catkins will adorn the tree in spring and add an interesting textural element to the tree. They also provide a valuable source of pollen for bees and other pollinators.

The ‘Red Panda’ is renowned for its striking beauty and ornamental value. One of the most remarkable features is its bark. In younger stages, it appears smooth and coppery-orange, providing a stunning contrast against the tree’s lush green foliage. As the tree matures, the bark develops into a captivating blend of pink, salmon, and creamy white tones. It stuns through every season and makes the Betula albosinensis ‘Red Panda’ an excellent choice for garden designers and landscape contractors alike.

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Size

Medium

9m high x 4m wide after 25 years

Environment

Often used as a focal point in large gardens, parks and other larger landscapes.

Canopy

Medium sized tree with a broad and rounding crown. Slender, upright and conical it’s is a visually appealing tree.

Foliage

Oval and slightly serrated leaves emerge in spring as a fresh, vibrant green and transform to a golden yellow in autumn.

Bark

Young bark is coppery-orange. Develops into a captivating blend of pinks, salmon and creamy white tones.

Resilience

Thrives in moist, well-drained soils and favours full to partial sunlight. Adapts well to different soil types like clay and loam. It can withstand chalky soils though it might not reach its full potential size in such conditions.