Fagus sylvatica Sandrode - Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Sandrode' is a variety of miniature Beech tree native to the Netherlands. This slow-growing tree forms a maximum height pyramid of 2.50 m, well suited to small gardens. Its foliage is particularly ornamental, the elliptical-shaped leaves have a well-defined and elegant toothed edge. Green during the season, they turn a golden yellow colour in autumn. This hardy Beech tree grows in full sun or partial shade, in most moist and humus-bearing soils. A beautiful, architectural variety which can be planted as a specimen or in a border.

The Beech tree, 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. It is native to central Europe to the Caucasus and one of the most common species in European forests, reaching a height of 20 m 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 compact cultivar 'Sandrode' is a selection from Bömer nurseries (Netherlands), from the late 1980s. This slow-growing variety forms a pyramid or cone, 2 m to 2.50 m high and 2 m wide. With a very dense branching, this bush can also have a more rounded habit. Its natural shape can be accentuated by appropriate pruning, it can even be made into a pseudo-bonsai. Nicknamed Fern-leaved Beech by the Germans, it is distinguished by its very ornamental foliage. The 5 to 10 cm long leaves have an elongated elliptical shape with a pointed tip. They are original and easily recognisable by their fairly deep, toothed edge, forming small irregular lobes with rounded edges. Their tender green, slightly glossy surface, marked by a prominent central vein, is attractive during the season. In autumn, the foliage turns a very ornamental golden yellow, before browning and remaining on the branches for a long time before finally falling to the ground. In April, barely visible beige monoecious flowers appear. The male flowers are grouped in pendulous catkins, while the female flowers are grouped in 2 to 4 at the end of the branches. Mature specimens produce shiny brown beech-nuts, covered with bristly prickles. These fruits are edible in small quantities. Mountain dwellers used to use them to make flour.
Hardy down to around -26°C, it can still suffer from late frosts. Growing in most soils, it appreciates a certain amount of humus and moisture, as it hates drought. Loamy or sandy loam soils are well suited to it, as are sunny or semi-shaded exposures.

Fagus sylvatica 'Sandrode' is an architectural tree with particularly attractive foliage, which can be planted even in the smallest gardens. Requiring little maintenance, except for some watering during hot periods, it is an original variety that deserves to be planted more. It is very tolerant of pruning and can be shaped to accentuate its natural form and become the central element of a sculptural scene. Have fun creating a miniature border by planting a Dwarf Birch (Betula nana) alongside it, a ground-covering shrub whose reduced foliage takes on magnificent red-orange tones in autumn, which will perfectly match the golden hues of the Beech tree. Another extremely architectural subject, Chamaecyparis obtusa Nana Aurea is a Japanese Hinoki Cypress whose foliage is arranged in randomly arranged, cup-like structures. To combine exceptional foliage with bright flowering, Mahonia Soft Caress will be a perfect companion for your Beech tree, with its fern-like leaves and yellow autumnal flowers.