Fagus Sylvatica Purple Fountain

Fagus sylvatica Purple Fountain or Beech Purple Fountain
The Fagus sylvatica Purple Fountain, also called Beech Purple Fountain is a seedling of Purpurea Pendula from Holland. It was first introduced to the public in 1975 and is a beautiful, elegant deciduous beech tree with a tall narrowly upright habit with weeping branches and striking purple leaves.

A small deciduous tree, Fagus sylvatica Purple Fountain grows on a strong central leader in a columnar (fastigiate) fashion to a height of up to 10 meters and a width of 5 meters. It has an upright growth habit with striking weeping branches that appear to cascade to the ground. The tree makes a spectacular specimen or can be used for pleaching. Its slim growth structure makes it an ideal foundation planting. The tree is relatively slow growing and frequently used in rock gardens as a focal point. Even at ten years old, the tree usually only stands 2 meters in height.

During the spring months, the new foliage emerges a dark purple hue. Beach Purple Fountain also develops inconspicuous flowers in March and April. As the leaves mature, they take on a green colour. As summer progresses bristly capsules start to mature on the tree's branches. The capsules turn tan and contain one to three seeds that songbirds and woodland creatures adore as a food staple. In the autumn, this tree’s striking foliage turns yellow then orange and finally bronze until falling. The light gray bark of the tree adds visual interest during the winter months after the foliage has fallen to the ground. As the tree ages, the bark develops dark fissures.

Plant Beech Purple Fountain in full sun for best foliage colours. It will grow in partial shade but its leaves will not appear as striking. Fagus sylvatica Purple Fountain will flourish in just about any type of soil as long as it is well-draining. It can tolerate acidic to alkaline conditions. After planting, keep the soil evenly moist around the tree to encourage ample root growth. Once it establishes itself, it is moderately drought tolerant. It requires only occasional watering to thrive.

Fagus sylvatica Purple Fountain grows in a naturally graceful form and rarely requires any pruning. Avoid extensive cultivation around the tree because its thin bark is easily damaged. Maintaining a layer of mulch around the base of the tree will help protect it. Plant the Beech Purple Fountain in a location where you can truly admire its striking appearance. There is very little doubt that it will become the focal point of the garden and draw much admiration from onlookers.