European beech Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Gold'

Water

The European Beech, specifically the 'Dawyck Gold' variety, should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season to promote root growth. In the absence of rain, provide about 1-2 gallons of water per square yard of soil around the tree's base, ensuring that moisture reaches well into the root zone. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering to twice per week. In the fall, reduce watering to help the tree harden off for winter. Watering should be done in the morning to allow excess moisture to evaporate throughout the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Light

The 'Dawyck Gold' European Beech prefers a sunny spot that receives full to partial sunlight. Ideally, it should get at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily, which encourages the best leaf coloration and growth. While the tree can tolerate some shade, too much can lead to reduced vitality and may affect its striking golden foliage.

Temperature

The 'Dawyck Gold' European Beech thrives best in temperate climates and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F to -30°F and as high as 90°F to 100°F. However, the ideal temperature range for this tree is between 50°F and 75°F. Proper mulching can help protect its root system in both the heat of summer and the cold of winter.

Pruning

Pruning the 'Dawyck Gold' European Beech is necessary to maintain its shape and remove any damaged or diseased branches. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This tree should be pruned every 2 to 3 years, focusing on thinning out the canopy to allow light and air to reach the inner branches, and to cut back any branches that are crossing or growing inward.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The European Beech or 'Dawyck Gold' prefers a well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally ranging between 5.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix can be created by combining loam, compost, and coarse sand to improve drainage and fertility. Regular amendment with organic matter can help maintain soil health and structure.

Repotting

The European Beech or 'Dawyck Gold' typically does not require frequent repotting as it is a slow-growing tree. It should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current space, which may occur every few years. Young trees can be repotted more frequently, every 2-3 years, to encourage growth, while mature trees may only need repotting every 4-5 years.

Humidity & Misting

The European Beech or 'Dawyck Gold' is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions but thrives best in moderate to high humidity environments. It prefers outdoor conditions where the surrounding humidity naturally fluctuates. However, it does not require specific humidity adjustments when planted in the ground outdoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow 'Dawyck Gold' in bright light, high humidity, and cool temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

The European beech 'Dawyck Gold' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in favourable soil conditions, typically requiring a well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral pH substrate. Upon germination, it grows into a small seedling, developing its characteristic golden foliage as it photosynthesizes and matures. The seedling stage is followed by a prolonged juvenile phase where the tree increases in height and girth, establishing a strong root system. As it enters maturity, 'Dawyck Gold' starts to produce reproductive structures, with flowers that are wind-pollinated, leading to the development of small, triangular beech nuts. These nuts are then dispersed, often by wildlife or gravity, to initiate new life cycles. The mature tree can live for several hundreds of years, slowly growing taller and broader, marking its final stage before senescence and eventual death.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• Propogation: The Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Gold', commonly known as the European beech or 'Dawyck Gold' beech, is a stunning ornamental tree valued for its golden foliage and upright growth habit. The most popular method of propagation for this beech variety is by grafting, which is best performed in late winter or early spring, just before active growth begins. Grafting involves taking a healthy scion, which is a young shoot or twig, from the 'Dawyck Gold' beech and joining it onto a compatible rootstock, commonly from another Fagus sylvatica variety. The cut surfaces of both the scion and the rootstock are carefully matched and bound together, allowing the vascular tissues to fuse as the graft heals. This technique is favored because it ensures the new trees maintain the distinctive characteristics of the 'Dawyck Gold' cultivar. Grafted beech trees generally take several weeks to heal and require careful management, including protection from harsh environmental conditions and adequate water and nutrients to encourage successful establishment.