Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea')

About Purple Beech

​

A dense​, moderate-growing, native deciduous, boasting a dramatic, low branching broad leaf, offering year-round privacy and interest.

​

Elegant, hardy and undemanding, the Purple Beech, with its majestic ​foliage, is ideal for those seeking a formal hedge with ornamental value.

​

In spring, shiny 4-9cm greenish-purple leaves emerge, wavy edged and fringed with silky brown hairs later mature to deep purple. Tassel-like catkins and reddish-brown beech nuts, housed in woody cups follow. In autumn foliage softens to coppery brown, remaining on the branches well into winter.

Purple Beech excels in a moist, but well-drained soil, so heavy clay or those prone to water-logging are best avoided. Suitable for exposed sites, tolerating full sun or partial shade.

​

Ideal for garden and landscaping projects, its rich colour provides a contrast to other planting schemes. Clipping in late summer will aid leaf retention in winter, enhancing its value as a barrier to pollution and wind with the addition of providing a decorative privacy screen.