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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.
Soil
Well-drained Chalk, Clay, Sand, Loam
Sunshine
Full sun or partial shade
Growth
Fast 30-60cm per year approximately
Pruning
Late summer
Uses
Formal hedging Privacy screening Security barrier
Suitability
Horses
