Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' – Purple Beech Hedging
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea', commonly known as Purple Beech, is a striking variety of the European Beech tree, renowned for its deep purple to reddish-bronze foliage. It is an excellent choice for creating visually dramatic hedging, screens, and specimen trees, offering a sophisticated, rich color throughout the year. Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' is a deciduous tree that brings year-round interest with its colorful leaves, smooth gray bark, and elegant structure. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soils and is often used for formal hedging, woodland gardens, or as a specimen plant in larger landscapes.
The combination of its dense growth habit and vibrant purple leaves makes Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' a unique addition to any garden, offering both beauty and practicality.
Why Grow Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' – Purple Beech Hedging?
Striking Purple Foliage – One of the standout features of Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' is its stunning purple to reddish-bronze leaves that appear in spring and last well into autumn. This dramatic foliage adds a bold splash of color to any garden, particularly when combined with green-leaved plants for contrast.
Evergreen Qualities in Winter – Though Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' is deciduous, it holds onto its dry, bronze-colored leaves well into the winter months, providing structure and a sense of year-round interest in the garden. This makes it a great choice for maintaining privacy and screening even during the colder months.
Dense Growth Habit – Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' grows into a dense, upright tree with a formal, structured appearance. It can be pruned and shaped into a beautiful hedge or screen, making it an ideal option for creating clear boundaries and enhancing the design of formal gardens.
Adaptability – The Purple Beech is adaptable to a variety of soil types, thriving in rich, well-drained soil. It can tolerate both sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden settings.
Low Maintenance – Once established, Purple Beech hedging is relatively low-maintenance. It requires minimal pruning and care, aside from occasional shaping to maintain its desired height and form.
Height of Plant
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' typically reaches a mature height of 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) when used as a hedge or screen. It can be easily maintained at a lower height with regular pruning, allowing for flexibility in different garden sizes and applications. Left to grow freely, it can reach a height of up to 12 meters (39 feet) as a specimen tree.
Where to Site Your Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' – Purple Beech Hedging
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' is perfect for a variety of locations, from formal gardens to woodland edges. Some ideal planting sites include:
Formal Garden Borders – Its dense foliage and rich purple color make it an excellent choice for structured, formal hedges that create crisp lines and boundaries in your garden. The hedge’s structured form contrasts beautifully with more informal plantings.
Privacy Screens and Windbreaks – While Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' is not fully evergreen, it holds onto its leaves well into winter, making it a great option for creating effective privacy screens or windbreaks. Its dense growth provides a good barrier against both wind and prying eyes.
Woodland Edges and Naturalistic Gardens – Purple Beech can also be used as part of a mixed woodland or naturalistic garden design. It blends beautifully with other trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, providing a dramatic color contrast against greenery.
How to Grow and Care for Your Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' – Purple Beech Hedging
Soil – Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' thrives in rich, well-drained, moist soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and is adaptable to a range of soil types, including loam and clay. Good drainage is essential, as it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions well.
Light – This tree grows best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the best color in its leaves, with the deepest purple tones appearing in sunnier locations. While it can tolerate partial shade, its growth might be slower, and the foliage color may be less intense.
Watering – Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' prefers consistently moist soil, especially during the early years of establishment. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant but will benefit from regular watering during hot, dry periods to keep the soil moist and support healthy growth.
Maintenance:
Pruning – Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of your Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' hedge. Prune in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins to remove any dead or damaged wood and to encourage dense, healthy growth. Annual pruning helps to maintain a formal, compact hedge, while also promoting the vibrant purple foliage.
Mulching – Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. This is particularly beneficial in the first few years while the tree is establishing itself.
Pest & Disease Resistance – Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' is generally free from major pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by aphids or fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, especially in damp conditions. Proper spacing and good air circulation will help minimize these risks.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' makes a stunning backdrop for a wide range of plants. Its rich purple foliage creates a striking contrast against green-leaved plants, such as boxwood, yew, or holly, making it an excellent choice for structured hedging. Pair it with flowering plants like roses, lavender, or hydrangeas to create a dynamic, colorful garden.
For a naturalistic or woodland-inspired design, combine it with other deciduous trees like Acer (maple) or Betula (birch), along with understory plants like ferns or hostas, for a layered, textured effect.
The dense, upright habit of Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' also makes it a good companion for plants that require support, such as climbing roses or clematis, which can be trained to climb through the branches.
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' is a beautiful and versatile tree that can be used in a variety of garden applications. Its dramatic purple foliage, dense growth habit, and adaptability make it an ideal choice for creating formal hedges, privacy screens, or stunning specimen plants. Whether planted in a formal garden, woodland edge, or naturalistic setting, it adds a touch of elegance and year-round interest to the landscape.
