One of the most interesting new plants with golden foliage is birch 'Golden Treasure' PBR, a variety that grows well in full sun, and at the same time suitable for cultivation in almost any, even the smallest garden.This variety was obtained by the Czech breeder Michal Andrusiv.It was first sold in the Netherlands in 2013.
In Poland, she was presented in the Novelties Plant Competition of the exhibition "Green is Life" in 2014, where she won a silver medal. This distinction is an excellent recommendation and encouragement to use this variety widely, especially as it is not demanding in cultivation.
Contrary to the majority of known and popular varieties of birches in the country, it is not a tree, but a small, dwarf shrub with an interesting, flat-balled, compact habit, yellow-golden leaves and a slow growth rate. It grows by about 10 cm annually. It creates numerous, small and thin shoots.Young twigs have a red color, which is an additional decorative value.The leaves are extremely small and tiny, bright yellow in spring, and golden, shiny from summer to autumn.
The leaf blades are almost round, clearly toothed at the edge, with delicate veins.Petioles are very short and strong. Commercially 'Golden Treasure' PBR is offered in two forms: a low, highly branched shrub intended for planting in groups, or singly, as an element of colorful compositions, and in a stalk form, as a small, spherical tree grafted on a rootstock at a height of 60-120 cm. intended for more exposed places.
Plants can also be planted in decorative pots placed on sunny balconies, terraces or on stairs leading to the building.Plants planted in the form of a low hedge on the edge of a bed, along a path or pavement and individually on rockeries or moors give a very interesting effect.
Growing this variety
The new variety of 'Golden Treasure' PBR is an undemanding plant. It grows well in most permeable garden soils in full sunWhen planted in shade or partial shade, it loses its intense golden color and turns yellow-green.Tolerates short-term water shortage and dry air.
This is important because many plants with yellow or white-colored leaves (e.g. Thunberg's barberry 'Aurea' or the fragrant jasmine 'Variegatus') tolerate strong sunlight much better if grown in a substrate rich in water. The new birch variety is fully frost resistant and can be planted all over Poland. The annual, light forming cut is conducive to maintaining a compact habit.
