Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea Group
copper beech
Group of large deciduous beech trees reaching about 30m in height over time. Grown for their deep purple leaves, which become reddish-copper in autumn. They are normally selected from seed-raised plants
Other common names
purple beechSynonyms
Fagus sylvatica Purple-leaved GroupFagus sylvatica Cuprea Group
see moreFagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea'
Fagus sylvatica Purpurea Group
Fagus sylvatica 'Cuprea'
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'
Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | |||
| Autumn | Purple Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Tolerant 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
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
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