Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Tricolor’ (European Beech)

Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Tricolor’ (European Beech) is a beautiful, small, deciduous tree noted for its striking variegated foliage. The leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), emerge purple with pink margins in spring, mature to dark bronze-green with pinkish white margins as the season progresses. They finally turn bronze-gold in the fall. Beautiful in spring with its rose foliage color, splendid in fall with its brilliant golden foliage, this European Beech also adds interest in the winter landscape with its smooth, gray bark. In mid-late spring, small, yellow-green flowers are on display. They are followed by bristly fruits which ripen in the fall. Tricolor will benefit from some shade as the pink and white border can become scorched in hot, dry weather. Perfect for use as a specimen tree, or a shade tree if given enough time to grow.

• Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 10-20 ft. wide (3-6 m)
• A 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 or by grafting. Difficult to transplant
• Native to Central and Southern Europe