Description
Purple Beech (Fagus syl. Purpurea)
Fagus syl. Purpurea trough hedging (Purple Beech) is a standout hedge plant, celebrated for its rich, deep purple leaves and the warm copper tones they adopt in autumn and winter.
This beautiful form of beech is often mistakenly referred to as Copper Beech, but it is the intense purple of its leaves, rather than the greenish-purple of true Copper Beech, that makes it so distinctive. The foliage remains on the plant through most of the winter, only shedding when new growth appears in the spring, which emerges as a beautiful pale red.
Purple Beech thrives best in light to medium soils and should be planted in well-drained areas, avoiding heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. Although the color of the leaves may become more muted when planted in shade, it still offers an attractive and reliable option for garden hedging.
When regularly trimmed, Fagus syl. Purpurea trough hedging forms a formal, structural hedge that adds elegance and privacy to any garden setting. This trough option is perfect for those looking to introduce instant impact with a vibrant and enduring hedge, suitable for both contemporary and traditional landscapes.
The Royal Horticultural Society awarded Purple Beech an Award of Garden Merit in 1984, confirming its status as a top garden choice.