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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.

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H4
Botanical 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

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