Fagus engleriana
Chinese beech
A handsome, small to medium-sized deciduous tree to 15m with smooth grey bark. It has bright green leaves, blue-green underneath. In autumn they turn deep gold before falling. Inconspicuous flowers become shaggy and cased nuts appear in autumn.
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, Neutral, AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Blue | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green Blue | |||
Autumn | Gold Yellow | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Fagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Fagus are large deciduous trees with smooth grey bark, ovate leaves colouring well in autumn, and inconspicuous flowers followed by usually spiny fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C China
How to grow
Cultivation
Suitable for large gardens. Grow in any deep fertile soil in good light. For more information see tree cultivation.
Propagation
Propagate by grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
Pruning
Pruning group 1; or can be trimmed to a hedge
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and beech bark scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to beech bark disease, fungi (particulary bracket fungi) and powdery mildews. Sometimes susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.