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Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' (purple beech)

At Heijnen Plants, we are proud to offer the esteemed Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea', commonly referred to as the purple beech. This majestic species is celebrated for its striking, deep purple foliage which serves as a captivating backdrop in any landscape. The purple beech, renowned for its elegance, does not produce flowers, instead drawing the eye with its richly colored leaves that create a lush, vibrant canopy. This enduring species is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of sophistication and perennial beauty to their gardens.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Twice a year

Growth rate
30-50 cm per year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £10.75

50+ £10.25

100+ £9.95

200+ £9.70

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £5.25

750+ £5.00

1,000+ £4.85

1,250+ £4.75

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
6

2+ £13.40

50+ £12.75

100+ £12.40

200+ £12.05

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
5

12.05

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £7.10

250+ £6.75

500+ £6.55

750+ £6.40

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
6

2+ £18.85

50+ £17.90

100+ £17.45

200+ £16.95

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
4

16.95

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £10.25

100+ £9.75

250+ £9.50

500+ £9.25

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £24.35

50+ £23.15

100+ £22.55

200+ £21.95

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
4

21.95

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £14.25

50+ £13.55

100+ £13.20

250+ £12.80

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
5

12.80

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £28.70

25+ £27.25

50+ £26.55

100+ £25.80

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
3

25.80

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £16.45

50+ £15.60

100+ £15.20

250+ £14.80

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
4

14.80

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £36.80

25+ £34.95

50+ £34.05

100+ £33.10

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
3

33.10

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £23.15

50+ £21.95

100+ £21.40

250+ £20.80

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
4

20.80

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' (purple beech)

The Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea', commonly known as the purple beech, is a majestic plant that offers year-round beauty with its vibrant purple foliage. Renowned for its ability to form dense hedges, this species is also a superb choice for solitary or block hedge use. Although it does not flower, the plant's richly colored leaves more than make up for the absence of blooms, providing a stunning visual display from spring through autumn.

Key Features

The Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' boasts a robust growth rate and exceptional winter hardiness, capable of withstanding temperatures down to -23.3°C (USDA zone 6). With a growth rate of 30 to 50 centimeters per year, it quickly forms a lush and visually opaque barrier. The foliage transitions from a deep purple in the spring and summer to a captivating blend of purple and red in the autumn, maintaining its visual appeal throughout the seasons.

Tips

To ensure optimal growth and health for your Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea', consider these tips:

While adaptable to various light conditions, the purple beech thrives best when it receives plenty of sunlight. Choose a location that can offer full sun to partial shade for the most vibrant leaf coloration.
This species is not drought-tolerant; therefore, regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Monitor soil moisture and water accordingly to maintain a consistent level of moisture without waterlogging the plant.
Pruning should be carried out twice per year to shape the hedge and encourage denser growth. The best times for pruning are late winter and mid-summer.
Although the purple beech is not particularly demanding regarding soil, it performs best in well-drained soil. Ensure proper soil preparation at the time of planting to facilitate healthy root development.
As with all bare root plants, plant your Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' during its dormancy period, typically between late autumn and early spring, to allow the roots to establish before the growing season begins.

Ideal placement of a Copper Beech

For the red beech hedge, a location that provides full sun to partial shade is ideal to enhance its vibrant foliage colors throughout the growing seasons. While it can adapt to a variety of soil types, well-drained soil is crucial for optimal growth and health. This species is not particularly drought-tolerant; therefore, it is important to ensure that the plant receives consistent moisture, especially in drier conditions. The majestic hues of the foliage make it a stunning choice for both hedging and solitary planting.

Planting a Copper Beech

When planting Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea', it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained, as this species thrives in a variety of soil types but cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. These hedges prefer a location where they can receive full sun to partial shade. The best time to plant bare-root specimens is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring, avoiding periods of frost. Plant them at the same soil depth they were grown at previously, indicated by a change in stem color. Water generously after planting to settle the soil around the roots and maintain consistent moisture levels as the hedge becomes established.

Pruning a Copper Beech

Pruning Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' is a minimal affair, typically necessitated twice per year to maintain its shape and density. For hedge specimens, the recommended periods are in mid-June and again in late summer, ensuring that the lush purple foliage forms a dense visual barrier. While this species boasts a quick obscuring growth rate, it is important to observe the natural form and prune accordingly to promote healthy, even growth without compromising the plant's structural integrity.

Watering a Copper Beech

The Fagus sylvatica purpurea prefers consistent moisture, especially during its establishment phase, to ensure healthy growth and development. Watering should be done deeply, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. During dry spells or in the absence of sufficient rainfall, additional watering may be necessary to maintain the plant's vigor. However, once established, this species can tolerate periods of dryness better, but should not be left to suffer prolonged drought without supplemental irrigation.

Fertilising a Copper Beech

Caring for the purple beech hedge involves minimal but essential fertilization to support its growth and maintain the rich hue of its foliage. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring to fortify the plant throughout the growing season. Given the robust nature and adaptability of Fagus sylvatica atropurpurea, over-fertilization should be avoided to prevent excessive growth that could necessitate additional pruning. Ensure that the fertilizer is spread evenly around the base of the hedge, taking care not to concentrate it too close to the trunk. This action promotes healthy development and sustains the hedge's vibrant purple leaves, which transition to a striking red in the autumn months.

The characteristics of a Copper Beech

Cultivated for its majestic foliage, Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' is a splendid choice for creating a copper beech hedge that offers year-round interest. The leaves, which transition from a deep purple to a coppery hue in fall, often linger on the branches throughout winter, providing a persistent screen. This species is also notable for its smooth, gray bark, which adds a unique textural element to landscapes.

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