Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple (European Beech)

A strong vertical element in the landscape, Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ (European Beech) is a magnificent, medium-sized, deciduous tree of columnar habit with broadly elliptic, lustrous, dark purple leaves. They emerge deep reddish-purple in spring and darken to burgundy purple as the season progresses.

A strong vertical element in the landscape, Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Purple' (European Beech) is a magnificent, medium-sized, deciduous tree of columnar habit with broadly elliptic, lustrous, dark purple leaves. They emerge deep reddish-purple in spring and darken to burgundy purple as the season progresses. The smooth, pale gray bark is truly stunning in the winter landscape. In mid-late spring, small, inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers are on display. They are followed by bristly fruits which ripen in the fall. This purple-leaved European Beech makes a striking and beautiful specimen tree.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 25-50 ft. tall (7-15 m) and 6-15 ft. wide (2-5 m)
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils. Intolerant of wet, poorly drained soils.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or for hedges or screens.
  • Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues. Watch for aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, Beech scale, coral spot and heart and root rot in mature trees. Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by seed or grafting. Difficult to transplant
  • Native to central and Southern Europe

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 7

Heat Zones 4
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fagus – Beeches
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 25'
– 50'
(7.5m
– 15m)
Spread 6'
– 15'
(180cm
– 4.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens