Fagus syl. Atropurpurea / Purple Beech Tree

Experience the magnificent beauty of Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropurpurea’, the spectacular Purple Beech that brings exceptional drama, rich colour, and commanding presence to large gardens with its stunning deep purple foliage and majestic stature. This outstanding deciduous tree offers remarkable qualities—spectacular deep purple-red to copper-coloured foliage that emerges rich burgundy-red in spring and deepens throughout summer creating bold contrast and dramatic impact, dense canopy providing excellent shade and creating a striking backdrop that makes other colours appear more vibrant, impressive smooth silvery-grey bark that becomes increasingly beautiful with age, and majestic broad domed crown that develops into one of the most commanding and architecturally significant trees in cultivation, making this one of the finest and most sought-after specimen trees for creating bold contrast, substantial shade, and timeless grandeur in large gardens, estates, and parklands.

Throughout spring and summer, this captivating tree displays its characteristic large oval leaves measuring 6-10cm long with wavy edges and prominent veins in spectacular deep purple-red to rich copper, creating dense, dramatic foliage that provides striking contrast against green plants. The leaves emerge in spring in rich burgundy-red with a silky texture, then deepen to dark purple-red to copper throughout summer—the colour is intense and maintains its richness without fading to bronze or green as some purple-leaved trees do. The overall effect is commanding and sophisticated. In spring (April-May), the tree produces small inconspicuous greenish flowers, but the real display is the emerging foliage. The leaves are held on smooth grey branches that create elegant structure. In autumn (October-November), the foliage transforms into beautiful shades of copper-bronze with hints of russet and amber before falling to reveal the smooth silvery-grey bark—one of the tree’s most beautiful features. The bark remains smooth and unblemished even on mature trees, creating elegant winter interest. The broad domed crown creates impressive stature and the dense branching provides substantial shade. Mature trees develop characteristic low-sweeping branches that can touch the ground, creating dramatic presence.

This popular cultivar is a selected purple-leaved form of Fagus sylvatica, the Common Beech, which is native to much of Europe including Britain. ‘Atropurpurea’ means dark purple, referring to the deep foliage colour. Purple beeches have been cultivated since the 1600s, arising as natural mutations. Exceptionally hardy and long-lived (often 200-300+ years), this beech thrives in temperate climates, tolerating exposure, urban pollution, and a wide range of soil types including chalk and clay. IMPORTANT: Best foliage colour develops in full sun—in shade the leaves turn greenish-purple and lose their dramatic impact. The dense canopy creates substantial shade beneath—grass and underplanting struggle under mature trees. Moderate growth rate, establishing within 15-20 years. The substantial size makes this suitable only for large properties with ample space.

Create stunning compositions by planting as spectacular specimen trees in large gardens, estates, or parklands where the dramatic purple foliage, impressive size, and commanding presence can be fully appreciated. Exceptional as focal points in large lawns, avenue plantings where the uniform growth creates formal grandeur, or positioned where the dark foliage creates striking contrast against pale buildings, light-coloured gravel, or golden-leaved plants. Works beautifully in formal landscapes, historic gardens, or as commanding centrepieces where the majestic stature and rich colour create drama and depth. The purple foliage prevents gardens from appearing too green and makes other colours appear more vibrant. NOT suitable for small or medium gardens—this is a very large tree that needs exceptional space. Perfect for large properties seeking bold contrast, substantial shade, and timeless architectural beauty.

Planting: Space trees 15-20m apart for avenue plantings, or allow 20-25m for specimen placement to accommodate the very large mature spread—this tree needs exceptional space. Plant bare-root trees from November to March (ideal), or container-grown specimens year-round. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter. Plant at the same depth as the nursery soil mark. Stake securely for the first 3-5 years. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base. CRITICAL: Choose positions in full sun—essential for best purple foliage colour. In shade or partial shade, the leaves turn greenish-purple and lose their dramatic impact. Not suitable for small or medium gardens.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with pH 6.5-7.5. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, chalk, and limestone—one of the best large trees for alkaline and chalky soils. Prefers deep, moisture-retentive, fertile conditions but adapts well to average soils. Dislikes waterlogged, very acidic, or very dry shallow soils. Tolerates exposure and urban pollution. Best foliage colour and growth occur in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil and consistent moisture during establishment.

Container Growing: Not suitable for container growing due to very large size, extensive root system, and need for space to develop the characteristic broad domed crown, low-sweeping branches, and substantial stature. This is a tree for planting in the ground in large gardens, estates, or parklands where it can reach its full magnificent potential and provide the dramatic purple foliage, substantial shade, and commanding presence over many decades.

Seasonal Care: Requires minimal pruning—the naturally broad domed form develops without intervention and should be preserved. Remove only dead or damaged branches in late summer to autumn when dormant. If formative pruning is needed, do so when young to establish a strong central leader and well-spaced branches, though mature trees develop the characteristic low-sweeping branches naturally—these are part of the tree’s beauty and should not be removed unless necessary for access. Avoid heavy pruning as this destroys the natural form. Beeches do not respond well to hard pruning. Apply slow-release balanced fertiliser in early spring if desired. Mulch annually with organic matter. Water during dry spells in the first 5-10 years until deeply established. Generally pest and disease resistant, though can occasionally be affected by beech bark disease (scale insects followed by fungal infection—monitor bark for signs) or aphids producing honeydew. Generally very robust and trouble-free.

Propagation: Cannot be grown true from seed as this is a selected cultivar that will not come true from seed and will revert to green-leaved forms. Professional propagation is by grafting or budding onto Fagus sylvatica rootstock in winter or summer. Layering can occasionally be successful on low branches. Home gardeners should purchase nursery-grown grafted specimens for guaranteed quality, reliable deep purple foliage colour, and characteristic growth habit.

This majestic beauty is absolutely magnificent—one of the most dramatic and commanding large trees available! That spectacular deep purple-red to copper foliage creates such bold contrast and striking impact throughout the season. The smooth silvery-grey bark is elegant, the broad domed crown is commanding, and that rich colour makes other plants appear more vibrant. Exceptionally hardy, long-lived (centuries!), and tolerates chalk and clay soils brilliantly. Remember full sun is essential for best colour—absolutely worth it for that dramatic purple impact. CRITICAL: needs exceptional space—this is a very large tree for estates and parklands. Plant for future generations—becomes more magnificent with each passing decade. Timeless grandeur and unforgettable presence!