About
Fagus engleriana, the Chinese beech, is a graceful, medium-sized deciduous tree to around 15 m with smooth, grey bark and slender, slightly pendulous branches bearing oval, lime-green leaves that are blue-green beneath and turn deep gold in autumn. A refined and elegant beech for a sheltered woodland garden.
About the genus
Fagus, the beeches, are large, long-lived deciduous trees with smooth, silver-grey bark, oval, toothed leaves that colour richly in autumn, and inconspicuous flowers followed by prickly husks containing edible nuts. Magnificent specimen and woodland trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toC China
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationSuitable for large gardens. Grow in any deep fertile soil in good light. For more information see tree cultivation.
PruningPruning group 1; or can be trimmed to a hedge
PropagationPropagate by grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and beech bark scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to beech bark disease, fungi (particulary bracket fungi) and powdery mildews. Sometimes susceptible to honey fungus