Product description
Add vibrant dark purple appeal to your summer garden with this imposing Copper Beech tree. It has a strong, broad-headed habit and can reach heights of 30m and a spread of 25m in a 20 year period. It is ideal for medium to large sized gardens where it will delight with summer hues of deep purple mixed with green.
As autumn approaches, the foliage turns bronze-brown, sometimes remaining like that almost until the new spring growth appears. The Copper Beech has a smooth bark with a grey tint, creating a wonderful contrast against the purple leaves.
This tree is suited to most soil types but will do less well in very wet soil. It is fully hardy and will produce its most vibrant shades when planted in full sun. It is very resistant to disease and requires minimal maintenance.
Like many beech trees over the ages, the wood has been used for a variety of purposes from making furniture to cooking utensils and tool handles. The wood was also used by aspiring cooks, it was burnt and used to impart a unique flavour to smoked herring. The edible nuts were sometimes used as cheap pig fodder and in France are still roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
Plant this imposing tree in a large garden as a focal point to create interest and colour. You can also grow the Copper Beech as a wonderful hedge along a boundary wall. If it is clipped regularly, it will not shed its leaves, providing a dense screen all year round that adds to the ambience of your living space by attracting a wide variety of garden birds.
Copper Beech Tree
Fagus 'Purpurea'
Fagus 'Purpurea'
Product description
Add vibrant dark purple appeal to your summer garden with this imposing Copper Beech tree. It has a strong, broad-headed habit and can reach heights of 30m and a spread of 25m in a 20 year period. It is ideal for medium to large sized gardens where it will delight with summer hues of deep purple mixed with green.
As autumn approaches, the foliage turns bronze-brown, sometimes remaining like that almost until the new spring growth appears. The Copper Beech has a smooth bark with a grey tint, creating a wonderful contrast against the purple leaves.
This tree is suited to most soil types but will do less well in very wet soil. It is fully hardy and will produce its most vibrant shades when planted in full sun. It is very resistant to disease and requires minimal maintenance.
Like many beech trees over the ages, the wood has been used for a variety of purposes from making furniture to cooking utensils and tool handles. The wood was also used by aspiring cooks, it was burnt and used to impart a unique flavour to smoked herring. The edible nuts were sometimes used as cheap pig fodder and in France are still roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
Plant this imposing tree in a large garden as a focal point to create interest and colour. You can also grow the Copper Beech as a wonderful hedge along a boundary wall. If it is clipped regularly, it will not shed its leaves, providing a dense screen all year round that adds to the ambience of your living space by attracting a wide variety of garden birds.
Give your tree the best start
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
For hedging, prune Fagus in late summer to maintain a neat, dense shape. When grown as a tree, remove damaged or crossing branches in late winter or early spring to encourage healthy growth. Young plants may benefit from a windbreak in exposed areas, especially during their first winter. With proper care, Fagus trees develop into magnificent specimens or hedges that retain their coppery leaves through winter, adding year-round interest to your garden.
How to Water
Water Fagus regularly during its first year to help establish a strong root system, especially during dry periods. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, but occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells will benefit growth. Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged conditions can damage the roots. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and allow the tree to absorb moisture effectively.
How to Plant
To plant Fagus, choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth as the container. Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill with soil, and firm gently. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, and apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the trunk. Space trees at least 2–4 metres apart, depending on the variety and purpose, whether for hedging or as standalone trees.
