Description: Betula utilis 'Wakehurst Place Chocolate' is one of the darkest birch available with true, plain chocolate bark in the early years changing to shades of brown as it ages. An upright growth habit. The dark green foliage covers the tree in spring turning golden during the autumn. 

History: The original tree at Wakehurst Place was obtained as a graft from the Forrest collection at Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Betula Growing Tips: They will succeed on most soils with certain species happy even in wet sites. Although tolerant of chalk soils they will not reach a maximum size in these conditions. Best planted in a full sun position.

Height and Spread (after 10 years) : 6m x 4m