Bareroot Fagus sylvatica (Purple/Copper Beech) 'Atropurpurea'

Majestic and dramatic, this beech tree commands attention with its deep purple foliage that transforms to burnished copper in autumn before retaining russet leaves throughout winter. The smooth silver grey bark and elegant spreading branches create year round interest, while the dense canopy provides superb shelter for wildlife. Unlike green beech trees, its richly coloured leaves make a bold statement in large gardens and parkland settings, particularly when planted as an avenue or specimen tree. Though slower growing than some deciduous trees, it forms an exceptionally beautiful hedge when clipped, with the purple leaves creating a striking formal boundary. Adaptable to most well drained soils, it develops its best colour in full sun while maintaining excellent frost resistance. A truly aristocratic tree that brings depth and sophistication to any landscape.

Family of Trees: Fagaceae

Habit: Deciduous Tree, Broadly Spreading

Growth Rate: 30 to 60 cm/year

Optimal Temperature: 10-20°C, hardy to -25°C

Harmful if Eaten?: Nuts edible, leaves mildly toxic

Flowers or Berries: Inconspicuous Flowers, Spiny Husks with Nuts

Hardiness: H6 (Very Hardy)

Hardiness ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

○ H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
○ H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
○ H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
○ H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
○ H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
○ H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
○ H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
○ H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
○ H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)