Species purple beech
orange-burgundy leaves and white-gray branches

purple beech

Fagus sylvatica (Atropurpurea Group)

Also Known As - Golden Fastigiate Beech,European Beech
The majestic purple beech is an amazing plant species, prized for its showy purple foliage. Fagus sylvatica (Atropurpurea Group) is a deciduous tree that thrives in sunny locations. Its reddish-purple leaves contrast beautifully with the bright white bark, providing an eye-catching and unique silhouette. It is an upright and spreading tree with an oval to broadly columnar form. Its roots are shallow but strong, enabling it to resist strong winds and resist drought. Purple beech makes a fantastic addition to any landscape, adding beauty, character, and dimension to the surroundings.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6

Flowers:

Not showy, Green-yellow Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

purple Fruits In Autumn Ready In Autumn

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,purple

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Purple beech trees should be watered deeply and infrequently in order to encourage deep roots and reduce water stress. The optimal amount of irrigation for this species is once or twice a month, depending on the height and age of the tree, the amount of rainfall that has occurred in the area, and the current level of soil moisture. During particularly dry spells, this tree may benefit from more frequent watering. Generally, each tree should receive about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. If the soil holds the moisture for 2 days or longer, that is a good indication that the tree has received enough water.

sunlight

The purple beech (Fagus sylvatica (Atropurpurea Group)) is a deciduous plant that requires lots of sun for proper growth and health. It grows best in full sunlight, and it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Morning sun is best, as this will be the most beneficial to the plant; however, afternoon sun is also beneficial. If the plant does not get enough sunlight, it may become weak and the leaves may turn yellow. Additionally, it is important to not let the plant be in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, such as between 11am and 3 pm, when the summer sun is at its strongest. This could potentially burn the leaves of the plant. In conclusion, the purple beech should receive 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight per day, with more in the morning and less in the afternoon.

pruning

Purple beech (Fagus sylvatica (Atropurpurea Group)) should be pruned between late winter and early spring. The best time for pruning is when the tree is still dormant. Pruning should concentrate on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or competing with the main trunk or branches. When pruning lightly, focus on removing any water shoots growing on the tree as well as any branches growing directly upwards. Heavier pruning can be done in stages, by removing about 1 third of the plant’s branches each year over a 3-year period, ensuring that the main branch structure is still kept intact. When pruning, ensure that no more than 1 third of the canopy is removed, as this could damage the tree.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Fagus sylvatica (Atropurpurea Group) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Purple beech typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Fagus sylvatica (Atropurpurea Group) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map