Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' (European Beech)
European Beech 'Riversii', Common Beech 'Riversii', Purple Beech 'Riversii', Fagus sylvatica (Atropurpurea Group) 'Riversii', Fagus sylvatica 'Rivers Purple', Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii Major'
Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' (European Beech) is a magnificent, deciduous tree adorned with a dense, broad crown. The foliage of large, broadly elliptic, lustrous leaves, up to 5 in. long (12 cm), emerges deep purple in spring, fades to purple green in summer, before turning copper in the fall. The smooth, pale gray bark is truly stunning in the winter landscape. In mid-late spring, small, inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers are on display. They are followed by bristly fruits which ripen in the fall. This purple-leaved European Beech makes a striking and beautiful specimen tree.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 50-60 ft. tall (15-18 m) and 40-50 ft. wide (12-15 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 or grafting. Difficult to transplant
- Native to central and southern Europe
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 7 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 4
– 9 |
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 | Fagus - Beeches |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 50' – 60' (15m – 18m) |
Spread | 40' – 50' (12m – 15m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Hedges and Screens |
Peter Turner Photography, Shutterstock
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 7 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 4
– 9 |
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 | Fagus - Beeches |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 50' – 60' (15m – 18m) |
Spread | 40' – 50' (12m – 15m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Hedges and Screens |