European Beech Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea Group

Water

The European beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea'), also known as the Purple Beech or Copper Beech, prefers consistently moist soil but cannot tolerate standing water. Water young trees deeply and regularly, about once a week, providing around 1-2 gallons per inch of trunk diameter at each event, to encourage a strong root system. Mature trees are more drought tolerant and require less frequent watering, you can decrease to biweekly or even less often, especially if there's sufficient rain. During hot or dry spells, increase the frequency to ensure that the soil doesn't dry out completely. It is essential to adjust the watering schedule based on the weather conditions and the soil's moisture level.

Light

The Purple Beech tree thrives in full sun to partial shade. Planting it in a location that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day is optimal, though it can tolerate some shade. The ideal spot would be an area with morning sunlight and afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates to protect the foliage from scorching.

Temperature

The Purple Beech tree is hardy and adapts well to a wide range of temperatures, growing comfortably in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 7. It can survive winter lows down to -20°F and is tolerant of summer highs typical of these zones. The ideal temperature range for the Purple Beech would be between 50°F and 75°F, which encourages healthy growth.

Pruning

Pruning the Purple Beech is mainly necessary to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. It is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can also be done after the leaves have fully developed to correct any structural issues. Established trees typically require minimal pruning, and any major pruning should be done every few years to maintain a strong framework.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

The European Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea') thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a slight acidity to neutral pH, ideally ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. A soil mix containing loam, well-rotted compost, and leaf mold is ideal to provide a balanced structure and nutrients.

Repotting

European Beech trees, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 2 to 5 years depending on growth rate and container size. Over time, as the tree matures, repotting can be done less frequently but the soil should be replenished.

Humidity & Misting

European Beech trees prefer moderate ambient humidity but are adaptable to a range of conditions and do not require specific humidity levels as long as soil moisture is appropriately managed.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not suitable for indoor growth due to size.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea Group, commonly known as the Copper Beech or Purple Beech, starts its lifecycle with the germination of seeds, typically requiring cold stratification to break dormancy. Seedlings emerge in spring, often relying on partial shade for early development, and gradually establish a deep root system. Following the juvenile phase, the plant enters a long vegetative stage characterized by the development of its distinctive purple leaves and smooth, silvery bark as it matures into a large tree. As an adult, the Copper Beech produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring - male flowers in globe-shaped heads and female flowers in pairs, leading to the development of beech nuts (mast) enclosed in a prickly husk by autumn. Trees are typically capable of reproduction after 30-40 years, and can live for several centuries, undergoing cycles of flowering and seed production annually. The mature tree, eventually, enters a phase of senescence leading to reduced vitality and, ultimately, death.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• The European beech, particularly the Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea Group, also known as the Purple Beech or Copper Beech, is most commonly propagated by seed. Seed propagation takes advantage of the tree's natural reproductive cycle and is typically performed in the autumn season immediately after seed maturity. To propagate by seed, one should collect the ripe beechnuts and plant them in the ground at a depth of about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). It is important to select a well-drained soil and a location that allows for enough space for the mature tree. Seeds require a cold stratification period to break dormancy, which involves exposure to cold, moist conditions for a duration that may range from a few weeks up to a few months before germination occurs in the spring.