Royal Frost Birch

Unique purple foliage: Deep burgundy leaves provide standout contrast all season long.
Bright white bark: Offers striking winter appeal and visual interest year-round.
Fast-growing shade tree: Quickly establishes and enhances landscapes.
Cold hardy: Ideal for northern climates with harsh winters.
Low-maintenance beauty: Requires minimal care once established.

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#35 Container

$392.00

7 in stock

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Clear

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$392.00

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We guarantee that your plants and trees will arrive happy and healthy. If you’re not satisfied after receiving your trees and plants, we’ll replace them at no cost to you. Trees and plants are living organisms and require care, maintenance, and protection to survive, root in, and establish properly. Trees that do not survive despite receiving the proper care, maintenance, and protection within the first year will be considered for a one-time replacement. If you purchased plants outside of your growing zone recommendation, or have not properly cared for your new plants as described in your welcome letter, your purchase won’t be covered by our Grasshopper guarantee.
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Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

518-793-9623.
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Royal Frost Birch

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Royal Frost Birch

A striking ornamental birch known for its unique purple foliage and bright white bark, Royal Frost Birch adds bold contrast and elegant structure to the landscape. It combines the classic beauty of birch with distinctive color and improved adaptability.

General Information:

Botanical Name: Betula populifolia ‘Royal Frost’
Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental tree
Mature Height: 30–40 feet
Mature Spread: 15–20 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Flowering and Flower Color: Early spring; inconspicuous brownish catkins (not ornamental)

Geographic Guidance:

Performs well in cool to temperate climates, especially across the Northeast, Midwest, and similar regions within USDA Zones 4–8.

Why Choose This Plant?

Consider Royal Frost Birch if you want a unique, colorful alternative to traditional birch trees.

Distinct purple foliage: Adds bold contrast and season-long color to landscapes
Bright white bark: Provides striking winter interest and visual appeal
Improved heat tolerance: Handles warmer conditions better than many white birches
Compact, upright form: Ideal for smaller yards and urban plantings
Low maintenance: Easier to care for compared to more sensitive birch varieties

Complete Care & Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Requires full sun (6+ hours daily) for best foliage color and overall health.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil, but adapts to a variety of soil types with adequate drainage.

Watering

Moderate watering needs. Keep soil consistently moist during establishment; once mature, it tolerates short dry periods better than many birch species.

Pruning

Prune in late fall or winter when dormant. Avoid pruning in spring due to sap flow (“bleeding”). Remove dead or crossing branches as needed.

Uses & Landscape Benefits

Ideal as a specimen tree for bold visual impact
Adds contrast in modern and mixed landscape designs
Perfect for small to medium residential yards
Enhances winter landscapes with bright bark and structure
Works well in urban environments with improved tolerance

Planting & Care

1. Planting: This is a large landscape tree and as such, requires a bit of planning before planting. First, measure the area where you would like to plant your hedge or row. You will need the length of the area of planting to estimate the number of trees you need.

When planting, dig a hole for each tree that is three times as wide as the root ball but just as deep. Place the tree, fill in around the tree with the same soil you took out when initially digging the hole. Finally, tamp down as you fill to cut back on any air pockets from forming, water the tree, then mulch to conserve moisture.

2. Watering: For the first two weeks, water your new tree every other day by holding a hose around it and counting to 20. If you don’t have a hose, 2 large watering cans full of water will do (smaller trees may only need a light soaking so a single can may suffice).

Related Resources

FAQs

Does Royal Frost Birch keep its purple color all season?

Yes, its burgundy foliage holds well throughout the growing season when planted in full sun.
Is it similar to river birch?

While both are birches, Royal Frost Birch has purple leaves and white bark, unlike the green foliage and peeling bark of river birch.
Can it tolerate cold climates?

Yes, it is very cold hardy and performs well in northern regions.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Mature Height	Large: Up to 30 ft or more
Mature Spread	10-20 ft
Growth Rate	Fast
Botanical Name	Betula 'Royal Frost'
Bloom Time	Mid spring
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Betulaceae
Flower Color	Non Flowering
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	High
Size	#35 Container

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Mature Height	Large: Up to 30 ft or more	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Small: Up to 15 ft	Small: Up to 15 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft
Mature Spread	20+ ft	20+ ft	20+ ft	10-20 ft	5-10 ft	20+ ft
Growth Rate	Moderate, Slow	Moderate, Slow	Fast, Moderate	Moderate, Slow	Moderate, Slow	Moderate, Slow
Bloom Time	Mid spring, Early Spring	Mid spring	Mid spring, Early Spring	Late Spring, Mid spring	Mid spring	Mid spring, Early Spring
Deer Resistant	Usually	Usually	Usually	No	No	Usually
Flower Color	Non Flowering	Yellow/Orange	Non Flowering	White	Pink, Red, White	Non Flowering
Family	Aceraceae	Fagaceae	Sapindaceae	Rosaceae	Rosaceae	Sapindaceae
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Maintenance	Medium	Medium	Low	Low	Low	Low
Light Needs	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun