About
Classic weeping, mushroom-shaped, deciduous tree about 3m in height, often grown as a top-worked specimen, producing wavy-edged, dark purple foliage which turns to reddish-brown in the autumn. Insignificant yellow-green flowers are produced in the spring followed by spiny fruits in the autumn.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitPendulous weeping
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal 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 best colour, position in full sun. For more information see beech cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by grafting in midwinter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to beech bark disease, fungi (particulary bracket fungi) and powdery mildews. Sometimes susceptible to honey fungus