Summer Cascade Weeping River Birch
Betula nigra 'Summer Cascade'
Overview
Summer Cascade Weeping River Birch (Betula nigra 'Summer Cascade') is an amazing plant species. It has an eye-catching cascading form and its beauty enhances in the summer when its delicate foliage takes on a bronze hue. Its leaves also have saw-toothed edges and perform best in moist, well-draining soils in full sun to light shade. Summer Cascade is also heat and drought tolerant, making it a great choice for the garden. Its graceful form naturally creates an amazing backdrop and adds a sense of serenity to any landscape. It's an ideal choice for small spaces or containers. With its outstanding beauty, low maintenance and adaptability, the Summer Cascade is sure to be a showstopper in any landscape.
Care Guide
Watering
The Summer Cascade Weeping River Birch requires regular watering, as it is susceptible to drought. To keep the tree healthy, it should be watered once a week during hot, dry weather. In normal weather, water it once every 2 weeks. During the spring and summer months, make sure the root zone is moist but not overly soaked. In the fall and winter months, reduce the frequency of watering as the Tree will go dormant. Provide about 1 gallon of water per square foot of the canopy's area every 2 weeks. During watering sessions, water the tree deeply and slowly to ensure it receives enough moisture. When the soil begins to dry out in the top 1-2 inches, it needs to be watered.
Light
Summer Cascade Weeping River Birch requires full sun to partial shade. It will do best in a location that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to properly develop its cascading weeping habit. It will still look good in partial shade, but the growth rate may be a bit slower and there won't be much of the weeping habit. Summer Cascade can also receive morning sun, as long as it gets adequate protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Soil
Bog, Well-drained
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3-3.
Pruning
Summer Cascade Weeping River Birch should be pruned in early spring, during the plant's dormancy period. Pruning too late in the season can remove the plant’s growth potential for the upcoming year. Generally, light pruning up to about a third of the canopy should be done - removing any broken branches, crossing branches, or dead branches. Thinning out of the canopy can also be done if necessary to allow sunlight to reach the lower parts of the tree. It is important to not prune too much, as this can take away from the plant’s natural shape and beauty.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Greenwood Cuttings
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Birds.
Diseases & Pests
Common pests: Anthracnose, Dieback, Fungal leaf spot, Leaf miner insect, Rust, Virus.
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