What is a Royal Frost Birch Tree?
The Royal Frost Birch is a relatively new variety of birch tree, a cross between the Crimson Birch and the Whitespire Japanese Birch. It is best known for its colors, hardiness and resistance to disease. The Royal Frost Birch's popularity in home landscaping stems from its distinct hues and its ability to flourish without too much care. Does this Spark an idea?
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Appearance
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The Royal Frost Birch is best known for its foliage, which is a red or burgundy hue throughout the spring and summer, adopting shades of red, orange and yellow during the fall. The trunk ranges from white to cinnamon in color. Small yellow flowers bloom in February. Royal Frost Birches can reach a height of 40 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet.
Optimal Conditions
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Royal Frost Birch trees can grow in a variety of conditions. Sources vary on the appropriate climate zones for this tree, but it appears fairly capable of withstanding cold temperatures and is suitable for use in zones 4 through 8. Royal Frost Birch trees can be planted in locations with full sun or partial sun. Royal Frost Birch trees can grow in soil that is loamy, sandy or clay-based, provided the soil is well-drained. They do best in soil with pH levels ranging from acidic to neutral.
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Care
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The Royal Frost Birch is a low-maintenance tree. A schedule of light, frequent watering is recommended during the first year after planting to help the tree get established. It will need to be watered during periods of drought. Fertilizers and mulch can increase the tree's growth rate, keep the soil drained and control the growth of weeds, but they are not usually necessary for the tree's survival.
Benefits
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As a hybrid tree, the Royal Frost Birch has several advantages over the Crimson Birch, another popular birch tree. It has a faster growth rate than the Crimson Birch and retains the burgundy foliage longer. It is also resistant to leaf wilt, deer and the dreaded bronze birch borers (Agrilus anxius Gory), pests known for wrecking havoc on birch trees.
About Birch Trees
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Birch trees belong to the genus Betula and include roughly 25 varieties of shrubs and trees. Birches can be found all across the Northern Hemisphere and are known for their ability to withstand cold weather and survive in arctic regions. They are used for lumber and ornamental landscaping.
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