Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' boasts stunning shades of purple and green foliage during spring/summer, and will hold onto most of its coppery leaves during winter.
About Root Ball Copper Beech
Root Ball Copper Beech hedging is only available to buy and plant throughout November - March, but can be pre-ordered at any time outside of the bare root season.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' stands out amongst the crowd with its gorgeous, bright purple and green shades during Spring and Summer, and a stunning copper colour in the Autumn. Even though Copper Beech is deciduous, it will surprisingly keep some of its lovely foliage during Winter, too!
Key Features
Purple Beech can grow into a dense hedge, and grows well in full sun and partial shade, as well as being able to tolerate most soil types. It can reach an ultimate height of 6m.
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Growth rate: Average (40-60cm per year)
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Ideal height: 6m+ Tall
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Soil type: Normal, chalk, clay
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Exposure: Inland, coastal, exposed
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Aspect: Full sun, semi-shade
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Evergreen foliage? No
Pruning & Care
When you receive your Fagus Sylvatica Purpurea Root Ball plant, it will need to be planted within a couple of weeks or so and must be well-watered during this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out- this will more than likely damage the roots altogether
Copper Beech is quite a low-maintenance plant, and if you look after it properly, it should only need a prune once/twice a year. You can tidy the plant up in June, but we highly recommend sticking to trimming your Beech in late Summer- i.e., August. This will give the hedge enough time to recover and re-grow before Winter.
You can easily hard prune Copper Beech as it has a relatively fast growth rate and can quickly recover itself.
How To Plant Copper Beech
- Prepare the ground by digging the hole/trench twice as wide as the diameter of the plant's root system, but about the same depth. Ensure all weeds have been removed.
- Spread out the roots, ensuring planting depth is correct. The part where the roots flare out should be level with the surface of the soil (you may need to remove any excess soil on top of pot grown pants to reveal this point).
- Mix in some organic matter/compost to the excess soil that will be used to backfill the hole. If you are using RootGrow, do so by sprinkling a thin layer on the bottom of the planting hole.
- Water the hole well, and place the plant in. Backfill with soil, ensuring it is worked in to the plant's roots. Gently pat down to secure the plant, and water again if it seems dry (this is especially important if planting during hot/dry weather).
- Finish off by mulching to a depth of 7.5cm after planting. This will suppress weeds and help the soil to retain warmth and moisture.
- Regularly water for the first year or so after being planted. This is vital for the plant's survival.