Betula utilis jacquemontii ‘Doorenbos’

‘Doorenbos’ is one of the whitest-barked birches you can grow. The creamy young bark matures to a brilliant pure white, peeling gently in thin papery strips — a showstopper in winter sun. (Sold by some nurseries under the synonym ‘Snow Queen’ too.)

A graceful, pyramidal tree reaching around 9 to 15 metres over many years. Toothed green leaves turn soft yellow in autumn, and long yellow-brown catkins appear in spring.

Full sun in moist but well-drained soil. Position where the bark will be lit by winter sun — the whole point of the plant is the trunk. Often planted in a group of three for maximum impact.