‘Purple Fountain’ beech
Story and Photos by Andrea Dee
‘Purple Fountain’ beech is a standout ornamental tree with a uniquely slender upright form and graceful weeping branches. Smooth dark plum/purple foliage hangs like ornaments draping downward.
This handsome specimen provides a dazzling four-season show of color in the landscape: leafing out copper in the spring before darkening to the bold dark purple in the summer. It provides lasting color through fall until it drops its leaves, revealing smooth gray branches for bonus winter texture.
Quick Facts and Keys to Success
Common Name: ‘Purple Fountain’ beech
Botanical Name: Fagus sylvatica ‘Purple Fountain’
USDA Hardiness Zone(s): 4-7
Color: Rich purple glossy foliage against smooth gray bark
Type: Deciduous ornamental tree
Mature Size: Slender tree with a mature height of 25 feet and a width of 15 feet
Exposure: Full sun for brilliant color
When to Plant: Fall
How to Plant: Dig planting hole at least twice as wide as root ball. Plant at a depth so that the trunk flare (where the trunk meets the roots) is visible above the soil level.
Soil: Highly adapted to wide range of well-drained soils
Watering: Water deeply and regularly during first growing season. Once established, irrigation necessary only during periods of drought.
When to Prune: Slow grower; pruning not usually necessary. Tree maintains slender form as it matures.
When to Fertilize: Slow-release fertilizer in the fall
In Your Landscape: Make a bold statement in the landscape with this deeply purple deciduous ornamental tree.