The mighty Beech, native to southern England and one of the most imperial of our trees. With a royal stately form, it can reach mature heights of 35m with a long, far-reaching canopy.

This Purple cultivar should not be confused with the well-known Copper Beech which is a seedling variety. Its deep plum shaded leaves open in Spring, with its summer colour dependent on the sunlight that is available.

Green leaves have more chlorophyll which absorbs colours of red and purple light, whilst reflecting green. That’s why we perceive them as green. Purple leaves have higher concentrations of anthocyanin which absorb green light but reflects red and purple light, appearing purple to us. When the Purple Beech is planted in shaded locations with less sun exposure, it requires more red and purple light, so will create additional chlorophyll to absorb it and assist its photosynthesis. This is when the leaves can become as vivid a green as the common Beech. In more exposed locations its summer foliage can mature into oyster plum purple. As summer fades these mature into molten browns and leathery yellows which crinkle and dry as they shut down. Throughout the winter the scrunched brown leaves remain on the branches, providing interesting screening. The leaves tend to overlap, allowing very little light and rain to reach the ground beneath.

A muscular tree when planted as a solitary specimen and will grow with a wide crown that hangs down, sometimes reaching the ground. Also ideal for avenue planting, where the Beech politely refrains from stepping on its neighbour’s toes, growing upright with a strong central canopy.