Fagus sylvatica purpurea is a large, rounded, spreading tree boasting red foliage in the spring that turns deep purple/green in summer and then bronzed for autumn. Small fruits, known as beech mast, are produced in the autumn and are popular with deer and squirrels. This delightful beech tree with smooth, grey bark will grow to an estimated height and spread of 10 x 6 metres in 20 years.
This Purple Beech tree is suited to all but wet soils, and can tolerate exposed sites. Fagus sylvatica purpurea is often used as a hedging plant as it holds its brown winter foliage, sometimes until new leaves emerge, making it ideal for year round screening. Plant in full sun for the very best colour.
AKA Purple beech, Copper beech, Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea
Common name: Purple Beech tree
Height and spread in 20 years: 10 x 6 metres
Season of interest: Year Round, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Environmental benefits: High carbon storage, wildlife haven
Foliage: Red in spring, deep purple in summer, then bronze tints in autumn
Soil: Suited to all but very wet soils
Position: Full sun to partial shade
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Planting Advice for Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
Our pot grown Fagus sylvatica Purpurea can be planted at any time of the year. To prepare the planting site, start by removing all weeds and grass within a metre of your desired planting hole. Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and approximately 2x as wide. We recommend digging a square hole as this encourages the roots to grow straight as opposed to around inside the hole.
To help Beech trees establish effectively, sprinkle Mycorrhizal fungi into the planting hole especially if the soil is poor. Gently loosen the roots and place into the hole. Mix 50% of the original soil and 50% compost. Use this to fill in the hole and firm around gently, taking care not to bank it up around the collar of the tree. If your area is prone to rabbits, we advise using a rabbit guard. Finally, add a stake and tie - to see how watch our informational how to videos.
Aftercare of Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
If you’re planting Purple Beech in spring, summer or dry weather, water well and regularly for the first few months. Increase watering if there are extended periods of hot or dry weather. If you’re planting in autumn, you may not need to water them as much. Beech trees have shallow roots so applying a mulch will help to lock in moisture. We also stock a range of irrigation kits to aid watering.
Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first few growing seasons. Installing mulch matting and bark chips will aid in this. Do not simply mow the grass as this will encourage it to grow more vigorously.
Pruning Advice for Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
Beech trees do not require much pruning. Remove damaged or diseased branches and take care to maintain an even framework - step back and assess your work. It is best to prune when the tree is in leaf or just after leaf fall to prevent bleeding, which although it is not detrimental, can look unsightly.
Delivery Costs
*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.
Small/medium trees & shrubs
Select semi-mature trees & shrubs
All other mature trees
Mainland UK ex. Scottish Highlands
£8 for any quantity
£35 for 1-4 trees
From £55 for any quantity
Scottish Highlands & the Islands
From £30
Outside Mainland UK
Currently we are unable to deliver outside of Mainland UK
Delivery Times
Next Day Despatch We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible. For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours. We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.
Standard Delivery We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket
Pre-orders We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders. These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.
Special Orders Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.
If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].
Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.
Collections Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.
The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:
Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.
Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.
Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.
Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.
Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.
Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.
Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.
Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.
Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.
