About
A truly dwarf shrubby beech tree reaching just 1.5m in 10 years. Its leaves are small and compact, forming a green dome, turning dark yellow in autumn and then remaining brown on the plant all winter before falling, just as the new ones form in spring.
About the genus
Fagus are large deciduous trees with smooth grey bark, ovate leaves colouring well in autumn, and inconspicuous flowers followed by usually spiny fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationTolerant of a range of soils including chalk, grow in full sun or partial shade. For more information see beech cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
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