Beech, <em>Fagus</em>: planting, pruning and care

Description and botany

Beeches or Fagus belong to family Fagaceae. The genus includes around ten species distributed across Northern Hemisphere, including Fagus domestica, widely used for hedging, and Fagus sylvatica, the common beech that naturally populates our forests, forming what ecologists call a beechwood.

Beeches are large trees that can grow to over 40 m tall with a straight trunk and a rather conical habit in youth, gradually rounding with time. Various cultivars are now available to suit different tastes and gardens: dwarf forms, columnar or fastigiate types, weeping forms, purple-leaved varieties…

Bark is smooth and light grey. Trunk remains straight and lower branches grow horizontally. Young twigs bear large pointed buds.

Foliage is deciduous and only appears around May. This peculiarity leaves enough light in spring for woodland perennials and bulbous plants to flower before a leaf canopy forms: such plants are described as vernal. Beech leaves are ovate, undulate and glossy. They are arranged alternately on the shoots and are petiolate. Leaves are green in season then turn yellow to coppery in autumn. Some varieties have golden, purple or variegated foliage. Leaves measure about 7 cm long by 4 cm wide. They could be mistaken for hornbeam leaves if one did not recall an old mnemonic: “le charme d’Adam est d’être à poil”. This helps remember that hornbeam leaves are dentate while beech leaves are villous on the margins.

Fagus sylvatica – botanical illustration

Leaves are marcescent: this means that once dead they remain on the tree and only fall definitively when new foliage appears in spring. This is particularly useful when using beech for a hedge. Bear in mind, however, that in exposed windy sites the dead leaves may still drop in winter.

Beeches are monoecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on the same tree. Beech flowers from April to May, but this flowering has little aesthetic interest and does not attract many insects.

However, once female flowers are fertilised, a fruit develops. It takes the form of a capsule covered with soft, curved spines that open at ripeness, revealing 2 to 4 small shiny brown tetrahedral fruits called beech-nuts. The seed is contained within these beech-nuts. Although enjoyed by children and walkers, the fruits are toxic in large quantities, but are seldom eaten in great amounts… They are, however, much appreciated by woodland fauna: mammals and birds which disperse them and thus perpetuate the species.

Growth is relatively slow, especially in the first years. But beeches can live for a very long time: at least a few centuries. Sexual ripeness, i.e. flowering and fruiting, only occurs at around forty years of age.

Beeches tolerate cold down to −20 °C, yet the hot, dry summers experienced in recent years in our regions tend to push beech northwards in favour of oaks. Pure beechwoods are thus gradually transforming into beech-oak woodlands and, in the long term, may revert to almost pure oak woods as occurred two thousand years ago.

Fagus sylvatica: pointed buds, young foliage, female aments, fruits containing the seeds and superb autumn foliage

Our favourite varieties

Fagus sylvatica - Beech

Typical species of our forests. Very popular for occlusive hedging thanks to its very dense, marcescent foliage. This forest tree is easy to grow in regions with a climate that is neither too warm nor too dry, in a hedge, as a specimen or in a small copse.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 20 m

See the product sheet

Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea - Beech

A well-known, magnificent tree with purple foliage. Can also be grown as a hedge: why not alternate with green-foliaged beeches to create a decorative, two-colour tapestry hedge. Otherwise, a magnificent specimen for planting alone.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 20 m

See the product sheet

Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Gold - Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Gold' is an excellent variety of common beech with a narrow columnar habit and golden foliage in spring, turning light green in summer and coppery-yellow in autumn.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 20 m

See the product sheet

Fagus sylvatica Mercedes - Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Mercedes' is a new dwarf beech variety with astonishingly finely laciniate foliage. This small tree has a spreading, rounded habit and very slow growth, reaching only about 2 m in height by 1.50 m in width on average.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Fagus sylvatica Riversii - Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' is one of the most beautiful purple beech varieties on the market! Its glossy, ovate leaves are larger than those of the species and display a deep purplish-red, almost violet, that generally holds well, occasionally turning purplish-green in summer.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 20 m

See the product sheet

Fagus sylvatica Pendula

Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula' is a beautiful weeping-form of common beech, particularly original and decorative. This tree has a remarkable silhouette, both slender and romantic, formed of wavy, upright main branches from which secondary branches and long shoots fall gracefully in elegant curtains.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 15 m

See the product sheet

Fagus sylvatica Purpurea Pendula - Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea Pendula' is a magnificent purple-foliaged form of the weeping beech. It is a fairly slow-growing tree with moderate development, which can easily be contained by pruning, making it suitable for a medium-sized garden.

• Flowering time May
• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

Fagus sylvatica Purpurea Tricolor - Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea Tricolor' is a very original purple beech selection due to its pink-and-white variegation, particularly intense in spring. Its young foliage adopts such vivid, bright hues that it could be mistaken for a spring blossom.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 10 m

See the product sheet

Beech planting

Where to plant?

Beech favours rich, cool but well-drained soil.

Normally, this tree prefers shade or partial shade, especially in drier climate and for golden-leaved or variegated varieties. But it can be tried in full sun under a wetter climate, notably with purple-leaved varieties. Avoid planting beech in Mediterranean regions, as hot, dry climate does not suit it.

please note: Bear in mind that, as a general rule, golden-yellow and variegated leaves should be planted in shade or partial shade, whereas purple or darker leaves perform better in sun.

Root system of this tree is surprisingly shallow, since it does not need deep rooting in closed forest. Take care not to damage roots if you plan to plant underneath (remember that few other plants will manage to grow under such dense foliage!), and also avoid planting beech in exposed, windy sites. Fallen beeches are often seen after severe storms. In nature, this creates light for other plants, supports fauna and xylophagous fungi that feed on dead wood and… it also creates a temporary natural pond where the tree was still rooted.

When to plant?

Best planted as bare roots, in buckets or even in containers during autumn: November to December. Establishment will be much better than in spring.

How to plant?

For a hedge

For economy and if not in a hurry, buy young beech plants as bare roots or in buckets. For a low hedge (under 1 m tall): space young plants 0.50 m apart. For a taller hedge: space plants 0.80 m apart. Planting in two staggered rows will produce a much denser hedge.

To plant a beech hedge :

• Start by digging a trench 50 cm deep and keep excavated soil to one side.
• Loosen soil and, if necessary, add some well-rotted compost to improve drainage and structure.
• As with all hedges, remember to add a few shovelfuls of well-rotted manure into the trench to give young trees a good start.
• Place trees taking spacing (see above) and layout into account
• Backfill trench with previously excavated soil.
• Firm soil around tree bases by hand
• Water well at base of each plant to limit risk of air pockets between roots and soil.

As a specimen or in a small group

• Container planting is preferred to save time, and because compact and most ornamental varieties are generally not available in buckets or as bare roots.
• Dip pot in a bucket of water for a few minutes to rewet rootball
• Dig a hole twice the volume of the rootball
• Keep excavated soil to one side, on a tarp to avoid damaging short grass meadow or other plants
• Loosen rootball slightly to spread roots
• Add a few handfuls of well-rotted compost to bottom of hole
• Place rootball in bottom of hole
• Backfill hole with excavated soil
• Firm soil around base by hand
• Give a good watering to reduce risk of air pockets forming between roots and soil
• Apply a mulch to protect young tree from drought
• Remember to stake your young beech

Comparison between villous leaves of beech (left) and dentate leaves of hornbeam (right)

Pruning, maintenance and care

Care

For an adult beech, care simply amounts to watching the tree grow! However, during first four years after planting a young specimen, remember to supply water during occasional droughts. Also keep a good mulch at the base to retain moisture.

Beech pruning

Beech hedge with marcescent foliage

Propagation

By sowing

Sowing seeds of typical species is done in autumn or early winter, in open ground or under a cold frame, in a substrate half potting compost, half river sand, kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination occurs the following spring.

You can mimic nature by keeping seeds in a refrigerator all winter. Then sow seeds in spring under a cold frame. Shoots appear a few weeks later.

By propagation by cuttings and by layering

Propagation by cuttings is practically impossible. Layering is theoretically feasible but remains complicated.

By grafting

To multiply varieties, grafts can be made onto a seed‑grown common beech rootstock. Scion will be a young shoot of the year. Either a whip graft or a shield budding can be used.

• Whip graft, June to August: cut rootstock on a slant and bring together a shoot of roughly the same diameter from variety to be reproduced, cut on the same angle so it matches the rootstock cut. Secure everything firmly with raffia. Graft takes when scion begins to produce leaves.
• Shield budding: make a “T” incision in a section of rootstock bark and lift this bark slightly. Insert a “shield”, that is an eye taken from variety to be reproduced. This eye is taken using a razor blade or very sharp knife. Fix everything with raffia or clothes pegs. Graft takes when scion begins to produce leaves.

Companion planting with beech

In a copse

Even if a common beech can quickly become cumbersome, it is still worth trying a striking purple beech and pairing it with bushes with colourful foliage that will contrast with the purple leaves. In addition, those bushes will benefit from the shade provided by the beech. Simple but always effective, Cornus alba ‘Gouchaultii’ will bring a touch of cheer and contrast in the beech’s shade with its foliage variegated with yellow, while creating a link thanks to the almost black-purple twigs visible in winter. A less subtle echo could come from Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ with purple foliage and spectacular flowering from early spring. A rosemary willow (yes, it exists!) is a lovely sun-loving option to add a silvery touch near the beech. Complete the picture with a carpet of Anemone nemorosa ‘Lychette’ and bluebells to brighten the base of the beech in spring before it flowers. A Climbing hydrangea ‘Silver Lining’ used as groundcover and climber will be an excellent way to lighten the tree’s shade and its branches.

An example of a copse planting: Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropurpurea’, Cornus alba ‘Gouchaultii’, Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’, Anemone nemorosa ‘Lychette’, Salix rosmarinifolia and Scilla nutans

In a two-colour hedge

Why not try alternating green and purple by planting beech of different colours? It is an idea still rather uncommon in gardens, yet it produces an attractive result while adding dynamism to a formal hedge. To do this, plant in two rows: 2 + 2 purple beeches, then immediately beside them 2 + 2 green beeches, and so on. For a narrower hedge, you can plant in a single row and alternate more frequently for a more… striped appearance.

Also…

Beech is also a splendid tree when grown as a specimen if given enough space to unfold in all its majesty. Of course, that is only feasible in very large gardens or parks for typical species. Remember, however, that many varieties and cultivars of much more compact size exist and can easily be adopted in almost any garden.

Beech is a good choice for trying bonsai because of its robustness, reduced root system and ability to tolerate repeated pruning without complaint. Just bear in mind that it dislikes heat and drought, which is even worse in a very small pot…

Did you know?

• Toxic fruits, if consumed in large quantities, have an almost abandoned culinary use; an edible oil was once extracted from them.
• They are, however, much appreciated by birds and many animals (rodents and others), which thus disperse them in the wild.
• Beech wood is a dense, hard wood with a fine grain. It is still used today in carpentry and cabinetmaking.
• Beech wood is also used to make paper or as firewood.
• Bark was used in medicine to combat malaria, but also as an anthelmintic, for certain respiratory conditions and as an antidiuretic.