Overview
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' is a spreading branched tree in the genus Fagus, part of the Fagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 30 m tall. Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental, shade tree and specimen tree. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Fagus sylvatica, the European beech or common beech, is a large deciduous tree in the beech family with smooth silvery-grey bark, large leaf area, and a short trunk with low branches. It is native to much of Europe, growing in humid climates.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fagus sylvatica
About the genus
Beech is a genus of deciduous trees in the family Fagaceae, native to subtropical and temperate Eurasia and North America. There are 14 accepted species in two distinct subgenera, Englerianae Denk & G.W.Grimm and Fagus. The subgenus Englerianae is found only in East Asia, distinctive for its low branches, often made up of several major trunks with yellowish bark.
Wikipedia contributors, "Beech", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Beech
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Fagus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 30 m
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental, Shade tree, Specimen tree
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from shelter from strong winds
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged wood
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed or grafting
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Beech bark scale
- Disease resistance
- Beech bark disease, Fungi (particularly bracket fungi), Powdery mildews, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea'?
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from shelter from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea'?
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' need?
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged wood.
How big does Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' grow?
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' reaches a height of 30 m.
Is Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' hardy in the UK?
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea'?
Propagation by seed or grafting.
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