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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.
Description
Elegant, hardy and undemanding, the Purple Beech, with its majestic foliage, is ideal for those seeking a formal hedge with ornamental value.
Appearance
In spring, shiny 4-9cm greenish-purple leaves emerge, wavy edged and fringed with silky brown hairs. The leaves mature 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.
Placement
Purple Beech excels in a moist, but well-drained soil, so heavy clays or those prone to waterlogging are best avoided. Suitable for exposed sites, tolerating full sun or partial shade.
Uses
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.
Well-drained Avoid heavy or wet soils
Full sun Partial shade
Moderate 20-40cm/yr approximately
Late summer
Formal hedging Privacy screening Security barrier
Containment of horses
