Purple Beech, Copper Beech

Please note: These medium-sized specimens are approximately 2-3m.

Fagus sylvatica Purpurea is a stunning dark purple-leaved variety of Common Beech. Sometimes wrongly referred to as Copper Beech, this Beech is a cultivar rather than a seedling, which is variable in leaf colour.

This pretty, deep foliaged tree has dark purple-red foliage which appears in the springtime and like many other purple-leaved specimens, it gradually turns to a dark green-bronze as the summer progresses until it is almost difficult to distinguish it from the Common Fagus sylvatica. In autumn, the deep bronze foliage turns to a golden brown.

Fagus sylvatica Purpurea is a tough tree that will thrive just about anywhere. However, it does not do well in exposed or coastal conditions. It is best suited to reasonably fertile and well-drained soils but does not perform well on heavy clay or light sand. As a shallow-rooted tree, we do not recommend under-planting.

This large and majestic tree is a great beauty and, as such, is a superb specimen to be planted as a statement in parks and large estates.

It is a great choice for creating contrast in the landscape, with its dark colours tending to draw the eye to it. With this in mind, it is best planted on the perimeter of a scheme, as if planted too close to the front, specimens planted beyond it will likely be overlooked.

Why do some trees hold onto their dead leaves?

Mature height: 20m+

Common names

Purple Beech, Copper Beech

Height of tree

20m+

Soil type

Well drained, Chalk/Alkaline, Acidic

Shape

Broad

Foliage Colour

Red/Purple

Looks good in

Summer, Spring

Genus

Fagus