Fagus syl. Atropurpurea 3L

Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea' (purple beech) is a classic choice for a refined, long-lived hedge, valued for its rich purple foliage in spring and summer that turns bronze in autumn and is often retained as dry leaves on clipped plants through winter, providing privacy and structure. Thriving in full sun or light shade on fertile, well-drained soils (including chalk or sandy loams) and fully hardy, it forms a dense, formal screen that responds well to regular clipping. If left untrimmed as a tree it can, in time, reach about 30m in height and 20m in spread; as a hedge it is easily maintained to the desired height.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Full sun or light shade

Rate of Growth: Moderate

Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile; suits chalk or sandy loams; avoid waterlogged ground

Hardiness: Fully hardy

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Plant at a Glance