Fagus sylvatica Zlatia

Fagus sylvatica 'Zlatia', more commonly known as the Golden Beech, is a superb, conical and rounded ornamental tree that is very attractive. It is particularly attractive in spring when its foliage takes on a very bright golden hue. This gradually fades and the leaves eventually turn green in summer. In autumn, the leaves take on a coppery colour and persist on the tree for a long time as it is marcescent. Of medium size and with balanced proportions, this beautiful tree can be planted as a specimen or in a mixed border. It is hardy growing in full sun or partial shade, it tolerates most soils as long as they are sufficiently rich, moist, and well-drained.

The Beech or Fagus has given its name to the small family of Fagaceae, which includes less than ten genera, the most well-known being the Oak (Quercus) and our common Chestnut tree (Castanea sativa). Around ten species of Beech are found in America, Asia, and Europe, including Fagus sylvatica, the common Beech. Capable of reaching heights of up to 30m, it develops a massive, straight trunk reaching 2m in diameter, covered with a beautiful smooth grey bark. Its foliage is fairly dark green, glossy, and velvety, usually marcescent (persisting on the tree in winter before falling). Numerous horticultural varieties bring diversity to this species, both in terms of habit (dwarf, fastigiate, weeping...) and leaf colour.
This is the case with 'Zlatia', a very old selection (1890) made in Serbia, near Vranje in the south of the country, and introduced to the market the following year. Zlatia means "gold" or "golden" in Serbian, which perfectly illustrates the main interest of this Beech. With a moderate to slow growth rate, the tree eventually reaches a height of 10 to 15m with a width of 8 to 10m. Its habit is very regular and balanced, with a conical to rounded silhouette. It is often branched almost to the ground, which highlights its architectural appearance. In spring, the slender and pointed buds burst open to reveal bright golden yellow, oval leaves. The edge of the leaf blade is velvety while its glossy surface shines in the sun, attracting all eyes in spring. Gradually, the colour of the foliage changes to chartreuse green, but never becomes as dark as the species. When autumn arrives, the leaves take on a copper to bronze-yellow colour, bringing a noticeable light touch to this season when the days shorten and usually darken as well.
The yellow-green flowering in April-May is too discreet to be ornamental, as are the brown fruits. The beautiful light grey bark, is truly decorative, especially in winter when the leaves do not hide it, and even more so when highlighted in rainy weather.

Fagus sylvatica 'Zlatia' is one of those classic varieties that is always appreciated, combining the natural elegance of common Beech with the brightness of golden foliage, all in a size more suitable for medium-sized gardens than the imposing botanical species reserved for parks. You can plant it as a specimen on a lawn to fully enjoy both its well-defined silhouette and the beauty of its foliage, or integrate it into a large mixed border to create colour contrasts. Plant a Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' at its base, a superb Elderberry with finely cut foliage of almost black-purple, which will strongly contrast with the golden foliage of your Beech. This stylish shrub will also reward you with beautiful pinkish-white spring flowers, perfectly highlighted by the dark foliage. If you have enough space, an Acer cappadocicum 'Rubrum', or Red Colchis Maple, will allow you to create a magnificent scene. Competing in size with your Beech, this Maple displays red-purple foliage in spring that turns coppery green in summer before finally turning golden yellow in autumn. And for a surprise, why not a Eucalyptus with blue foliage? Eucalyptus pauciflora sbsp. niphophila Mt Bogong is not only one of the hardiest, but its highly decorative bark will perfectly complement that of Zlatia.