Fagus sylvatica Fruticosa

Fagus sylvatica 'Fruticosa' or Ball Beech is a rare, miniature selection of the common Beech with a very nice compact, rounded and spreading habit, with green foliage that seems to glow in the summer. Its small leaves turn coppery bronze in autumn. It is slow-growing and reaches a height of 1.5m at 10 years and 3m at maturity. It fits perfectly in a small garden or a large rockery. This hardy, dwarf Beech grows in full sun or partial shade, in a wide range of soils.

The Beech, in Latin Fagus sylvatica, is an imposing tree with a spreading habit. Its cylindrical trunk is covered with smooth, light grey bark. This tree can live for several centuries. Native to central Europe to the Caucasus, it is one of the most common species in European forests, reaching a height of 20m at maturity. Its reddish wood is used in cabinetmaking and for the production of wooden tools and toys as well as firewood. It is a member of the Fagaceae family, which also includes the Oak, Chestnut, and a few other lesser-known genera.

The 'Fruticosa' Beech is a witches' broom discovered in the Borová hora nursery in Slovenia. It is characterised by very slow growth, reduced development, and small leaves. Eventually, it forms a rounded bush, almost as wide as it is tall, reaching a height of 3m with an equivalent spread. With a very dense branching, its natural shape can be accentuated by appropriate pruning. Measuring about 4-5cm long, the leaves are oval-shaped and slightly wavy with a toothed edge. They are tender green then medium green during the season, turning yellow and then coppery bronze in autumn before falling.
This small tree is hardy down to -25°C, appreciates humus-bearing soils and does not tolerate drought.

Fagus sylvatica 'Fruticosa' is a charming small tree with an architectural silhouette and attractive autumn foliage that can be planted even in the smallest gardens. You can plant a Dwarf Birch (Betula nana) alongside it, a ground-covering shrub whose foliage turns beautiful shades of red-orange in autumn, a Chamaecyparis obtusa Nana Aurea with unusual evergreen foliage or a Mahonia Soft Caress with fern-like leaves and yellow autumn flowering. White-flowering spireas can also be planted alongside to bring the scene to life early in spring.