Purple Beech Hedge (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea')

Purple Beech Plants Description

Purple Beech hedging, also known as Copper Beech, is easily recognisable by its distinctive purple and green tones during spring and summer. In the colder months, it transforms into a striking display of copper and burgundy. Although a deciduous variety, Purple Beech retains much of its attractive autumn foliage throughout the winter.

This hedge forms a thick, dense barrier, marked by its vibrant, fluttering leaves. It flourishes in both full sunlight and partial shade, adapting well to most soil types, provided they are moist yet well-drained. Requiring minimal maintenance, Purple Beech typically needs only one or two prunings annually, growing at an impressive rate of 40-60 cm per year.

Grown from seed, Purple Beech can display some variation in foliage colour, with some plants producing nearly black leaves while others may have dark green. To achieve a uniformly purple appearance, it is recommended to purchase additional bare root plants to remove any green variants. Alternatively, pot-grown Purple Beech trees guarantee a striking purple hue.

Pruning Advice

Purple Beech hedging is relatively low maintenance, requiring only one or two prunings annually if you plan your care routine carefully.

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' can be tidied up in June if it appears somewhat untidy, though it is generally advisable to prune an established beech hedge in late summer. August is particularly suitable, as this timing allows the plants sufficient time to re-grow and recover before winter. A late summer pruning encourages a final flush of growth, enhancing the winter coverage for which beech hedging is renowned.

Proper care of a beech hedge is essential, but it is possible to renovate an overgrown hedge. This maintenance should be carried out in February while the hedge is still dormant. If substantial cutting back—more than half of its size—is required, it is best to approach this gradually over two growing seasons. Begin by cutting back the top and one side of the hedge, leaving the other side for the following year.

While hard pruning may seem daunting, beech hedging grows particularly quickly, at approximately 30-60 cm per year, so recovery will be swift. Regular maintenance is recommended, and using a slow-release fertiliser, such as Bonemeal, can further support the health and growth of your hedge.

Further Information

Our recommended planting densities for each size and root type are listed in the product grid. These should be used as a guide when considering the time you are willing to wait for your hedge to achieve its full appearance. As a general indication, bare root plants can be spaced at 3 to 7 per metre, while cell-grown plants can be spaced between 4 and 6 per metre. For higher densities, consider planting in a double staggered row or a zig-zag pattern.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.