**Stunning White Birch Trees - Betula papyrifera & Betula pendula 'Gracilis' Seeds**
Seed weight will include some chaff
Bring the elegance of white bark birches to your garden with this combo listing featuring seeds for two exceptional varieties: the classic Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) and the graceful Cutleaf Weeping Birch (Betula pendula 'Gracilis').
**Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch):**
* **Description:** Known for its striking white bark that peels in papery sheets, the Paper Birch is a majestic shade tree with a broad, pyramidal form. Its leaves are oval and toothed, turning a vibrant yellow in autumn.
* **Growth:** This fast-growing tree can reach heights of 50-70 feet (15-21 meters) with a spread of 25-50 feet (7.5-15 meters). It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
* **Native:** Native to northern North America, the Paper Birch is a symbol of the northern forests and an important food source for wildlife.
* **Interesting Facts:** The bark was historically used by Native Americans to make canoes and other crafts. It's also a source of birch syrup, a unique delicacy.
**Betula pendula 'Gracilis' (Cutleaf Weeping Birch):**
* **Description:** This cultivar of the Silver Birch boasts delicate, deeply cut leaves and gracefully weeping branches, creating a stunning focal point in any landscape. Its bark is silvery-white, adding year-round interest.
* **Growth:** The Cutleaf Weeping Birch is a medium-sized tree, reaching 30-40 feet (9-12 meters) in height with a similar spread. It grows at a moderate rate and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
* **Native:** The Silver Birch, the parent species of this cultivar, is native to Europe and Asia.
* **Interesting Facts:** The weeping form adds a touch of elegance and movement to the garden, making it a popular choice for ornamental plantings.
**Growing from Seed:**
1. **Stratification:** Birch seeds require a period of cold stratification to germinate. Mix the seeds with moist sand or peat moss and store them in a refrigerator for 2-3 months.
2. **Sowing:** Sow the seeds in a seed starting mix in early spring. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
3. **Germination:** Expect germination within 2-4 weeks.
4. **Transplanting:** Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them to individual pots and grow them on until they are ready to be planted in the garden.
**Garden Care:**
* **Planting:** Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant the tree at the same depth it was growing in the container.
* **Watering:** Water regularly, especially during the first year. Once established, birches are relatively drought-tolerant.
* **Fertilizing:** Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
* **Pruning:** Minimal pruning is required. Remove any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring.