Green Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
About Green Beech
A classic low-maintenance native, compact in habit and shade tolerant, providing all year round interest and privacy.
Marvelled for its beauty by gardening enthusiasts, the Green Beech, whilst deciduous clings to its leaves during winter until the new growth pushes through in the spring.
In spring, low-branching stems bear lustrous, lightly veined 4-9cm lime-green leaves, wavy edged and fringed with silky hairs. Maturing foliage darkens and becomes more leathery, changing to a glorious buttery-yellow in autumn and rich russet in winter when the hedge is dormant.
Green Beech excels in a moist, but well-drained soil, so heavy clays or those prone to water-logging are best avoided. Suitable for exposed sites, tolerating full sun or partial shade.
Ideal as a formal hedge, its lush, light reflecting foliage provides the perfect contrast to many 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-drainedAvoid heavy or wet soils
Sunshine
Full sun or partial shadeGrowth
Fast growing30-60cm per year approximately
Pruning
Once a year in AugustUses
Formal hedgingPrivacy screening
Security barrier
Suitability
Containment of livestock and horsesDeer resistant
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