Royal Frost™ Birch Tree

Betula x 'Royal Frost'

Nature Hills Nursery

Crimson Frost Foliage Transforms Year-Round: Burgundy-Red Summer Leaves Turn Fiery Yellow-Orange in Fall
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-7
Grows 30-40 ft Tall, 15-20 ft Wide
Stunning Orange/Red Fall Foliage
Showy Green Blooms From Late Spring to Early Spring

$104⁴⁰

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Plant Size

#3 Container 4-5 Feet | Multistem

Product variants

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Fall Color/Interest, Thornless
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	30-40 ft
Width	15-20 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Medium
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Betula x 'Royal Frost'
Species	x
Cultivar	Royal Frost
Class	Magnoliopsida, Fagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Roll out the red carpet and make way as the trumpets sound for the Royal Frost® Birch (Betula x 'Royal Frost')! You will understand the hype when this unique Birch Tree is in your presence!

Featuring an upright, pyramidal form with regal burgundy-red to plum purple foliage that transforms into a captivating yellow-orange to red coloration in the fall. Unlike the usual Birch dark green foliage that becomes golden yellow, Royal Frost® stands out as something truly unique!

Royal Frost® keeps the impressive family trait of snow-white bark that shows off beautifully in the winter months. You will have something to look forward to every season of the year. Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 7 and grow into impressive 30 - 40 feet tall specimens. Spreading just 15 - 20 feet wide, these Birch hybrids grow fast to mature size.

Landscape Application:

You won't be able to miss this magnificent tree no matter where it's planted! Planting as a specimen tree is ideal as this tree was born to be the centerpiece of every landscaping! Create a raised berm in your front lawn to further highlight the many perks of this tree!

The Royal Frost® Birch makes for a perfect privacy screen with its medium size of about 35 feet tall and around 15 feet wide. Your family and friends will want to come over to admire this fascinating tree with you!

Set up a reading chair or your fire pit beneath the cooling shade without worrying about these trees shading out your lawn completely! But front yard curb appeal is where the Royal Frost® really shows off best.

Toothy Burgundy/Plum Red Foliage
Orange to Red Fall Color Uncommon Among Birch Trees
Ghostly Snow-White Bark Stands Out In Winter
Graceful Open Form
Must-Have Specimens In Front & Back Yards, Shade & Focal Points

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This Weeping Cut Leaf Birch is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Provide regular moderate moisture access for your plants and try to not let Birch go through drought dry. Use a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around the root zone to help keep soil moisture more consistent while insulating the roots.

Like Maples, Birch trees have sap that runs in the spring, so avoid pruning until after they are in flower to remove crossing branches and winter dieback.

Full Sun & Part Shade
Likes Well-Drained Soil
Consistent Moisture Needs
Appreciates Mulched Beds
Prune Late Spring

Make your house look like a royal garden by planting your very own Royal Frost® Hybrid Birch tree in your landscaping today! Order from Nature Hills Nursery today before it's too late!

Single Stem, Multi Stem, Shrub Form, Oh My!

Before you buy, make sure you know what you’re getting! Single stem, multi stem, and shrub forms are different so read a bit about which we’re currently offering below.

Single Stem:

These are plants that have one stem coming from the ground. Plants can also be considered single stem when lower branches are removed to raise the height of the branching. Sometimes, you will hear a single stem referred to as Tree Form.

Multi Stem:

These are plants with 2 or more stems planted together in the ground in close proximity to form a clump. There are times when multiple stems are formed by a tree that branches at the soil line with more than one main stem.

Shrub Form:

These are bushy plants with many stems and branches close to the ground. They are referred to as shrubs or bushes and are often shorter than their tree forms.

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Royal Frost™ Birch makes an excellent addition to any landscape, and you'll find plenty of other options in our trees and fast growing trees collections. This hardy variety thrives in zone 4 plants, trees & shrubs through zone 7 plants, trees & shrubs, making it adaptable to many growing conditions. For expert growing advice, check out our #ProPlantTips: How to Care for & Grow Birch Trees guide, and explore our Best Privacy Trees and Shrubs to Plant This Spring for more landscape ideas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is its mature height and spread?

Royal Frost Birch reaches 30-40 feet tall with a spread of 15-20 feet wide at maturity. This fast-growing hybrid develops an upright, pyramidal form that's perfect for specimen planting. Allow adequate space for its full spread when selecting your planting location.

What USDA hardiness zones is the Royal Frost™ Birch Tree suitable for?

The Royal Frost™ Birch thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 7. This hardy tree tolerates cold winters while developing its signature white bark and colorful foliage. Shop at Nature Hills to add this adaptable specimen to landscapes from northern climates to moderate southern regions.

Does the Royal Frost™ Birch prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

Royal Frost™ Birch thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable tree performs well in either light environment throughout USDA zones 4-7. For best foliage color development, plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

What type of soil conditions does this tree need to thrive?

Royal Frost Birch thrives in average, medium, well-drained soil with full sun to part shade exposure. Provide regular moderate moisture and avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Plant in USDA zones 4-7 for best results.

When does the Royal Frost™ Birch bloom and what color are the flowers?

Royal Frost™ Birch produces small, inconspicuous catkins in early spring before the distinctive burgundy foliage emerges. The flowers aren't the main attraction - this tree's stunning plum-red leaves and white bark steal the show. Focus on fall planting in zones 4-7 for best establishment, available at naturehills.com.

Is this birch tree resistant to deer browsing?

Birch trees, including Royal Frost, are generally not deer resistant and may experience browsing damage. The burgundy-red foliage can actually attract deer attention. Consider fencing young trees or using deer repellent sprays during establishment in zones 4-7.

What are some good companion plants to grow near the Royal Frost™ Birch?

Royal Frost™ Birch pairs beautifully with understory plants that complement its burgundy foliage and 15-20 foot spread. Consider planting hostas, astilbe, or coral bells beneath for contrast, or add evergreen shrubs like boxwood around the drip line. Choose companions that thrive in zones 4-7 with moderate moisture needs.

Does the Royal Frost™ Birch require any special fertilization or pruning?

Royal Frost™ Birch requires minimal special care once established in zones 4-7. A balanced fertilizer in early spring supports its fast growth to 30-40 feet. Prune only in late fall or winter to avoid bleeding sap, focusing on removing damaged branches.