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Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ (European Beech)

European Beech 'Purpurea', Common Beech 'Purpurea', Purple Beech, Copper Beech, Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea, Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea', Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea'

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', European Beech 'Purpurea', Common Beech 'Purpurea', Purple Beech, Copper Beech, Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea, Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea', Deciduous Tree, Fall Color
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', European Beech 'Purpurea', Common Beech 'Purpurea', Purple Beech, Copper Beech, Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea, Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea', Deciduous Tree, Fall Color

Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ (European Beech) is a beautiful, large, deciduous tree with a densely pyramidal to rounded-spreading crown. Its foliage of broadly elliptic, lustrous, coppery to deep purple leaves, turns copper-red in the fall. Branching to the ground, its smooth, gray bark is truly stunning in the winter landscape. In mid-late spring, small, yellow-green flowers are on display. They are followed by bristly fruits which ripen in the fall and are edible. This purple-leaved European Beech makes a superb shade tree or specimen tree for a large landscape. Excellent for hedges and screens.

  • Grows up to 50-60 ft. tall (15-18 m) and 30-40 ft. wide (9-12 m)
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils. Intolerant of wet, poorly drained soils.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or for hedges or screens.
  • Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues. Watch for aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, Beech scale, coral spot and heart and root rot in mature trees. Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by seed. Difficult to transplant
  • Native to Central and Southern Europe

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 7
Heat Zones 5 - 7
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fagaceae
Genus Fagus
Common names Beech, European Beech
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 50' - 60'
(15.2m - 18.3m)
Spread 30' - 40'
(9.1m - 12.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Tricolor’ (European Beech)
Fagus grandifolia (American Beech)
Fagus sylvatica (European Beech)
Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’ (European Beech)
Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ (European Beech)
Fagus sylvatica ‘Riversii’ (European Beech)

Recommended Companion Plants

Cedrus deodara ‘Aurea’ (Deodar Cedar)
Abies lasiocarpa ‘Green Globe’ (Alpine Fir)
Betula utilis var. jacquemontii ‘Grayswood Ghost’ (Himalayan Birch)
Hedychium gardnerianum (Kahili Ginger)
Phlomis russeliana (Jerusalem Sage)
Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Trees with Four Seasons of Interest for Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 7
Heat Zones 5 - 7
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fagaceae
Genus Fagus
Common names Beech, European Beech
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 50' - 60'
(15.2m - 18.3m)
Spread 30' - 40'
(9.1m - 12.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Fagus (Beech)
Not sure which Fagus (Beech) to pick?
Compare Now

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