Fagus sylvatica 'PURPUREA NANA' dwarf copper beech
Fagus
Beeches are reliable, hardy trees typical of our climate. The genus Fagus comprises roughly ten species of deciduous trees distributed across the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, chiefly in Europe, eastern Asia and North America. Fossil finds show that beeches were important components of forests already in the Tertiary, when the climate was warmer and wetter. The genus was described botanically by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 and has since become one of the cornerstones of European dendrology. For centuries beeches have been valued not only for their timber but also for their ability to form stable, long lived stands that have shaped both landscape and human culture.
The European beech has shaped the face of the Czech landscape for centuries as naturally as human settlement; native beechwoods were among the most widespread forest communities here and still survive in protected sites with an almost cathedral like atmosphere. For example: the park at Hluboká Castle, where extensive 19th century plantings and English style landscaping created monumental groups of solitary beeches. By contrast, the primeval core of Boubín Forest, protected since 1858, contains individuals estimated at 300–400 years old. The Voděradské beechwoods, designated a nature reserve in 1955 and covering roughly 650 ha, are one of the largest beech complexes in Central Bohemia and serve as an important research and educational site with rich fauna. These Czech examples mirror a wider European pattern — from managed estate parks and avenue plantings that shaped noble landscapes across Central Europe to ancient, protected beech remnants in the Carpathians, Białowieża and Hainich that preserve primeval forest dynamics and biodiversity. The beech has traditionally been a tree of shade, calm and endurance: its understorey was used for grazing, its beechnuts collected as fodder, and its timber for tools and craftwork. In folk tradition the beech is associated with wisdom and memory; old beeches were often treated as boundary markers, meeting places and living witnesses to the continuity of the landscape.
This dwarf copper beech is a perfect example of a long awaited plant. Since many of us love red-leaved trees “Purpurea Nana” is a dream come true because it belongs to dwarf varieties that can enrich even the smallest of gardens. Its leaves are deep purple, almost reddish-black, glossy, and are borne densely along deep purple twigs.
Thanks to its minimized growth rate it is very popular among bonsai lovers. Already a small plant is well branched and has plenty of leaves so it makes an eye-catching jewel in the middle of a group of other small or groundcovering shrubs. Or it can be placed as a sole standing specimen. In any case, for the best contrast we suggest planting it near or in front of rich green trees or shrubs. You can trim or shape it in late winter.
The European beech is very undemanding. It performs best on deep, fertile, well drained soils in full sun to partial shade and does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging. After planting, water regularly and apply mulch to protect the root ball for the first three to five years; thereafter the beech is relatively tolerant of drier periods. Newly planted trees should be staked with a sturdy three pole support for three to five years and the area around the roots kept free of weeds and dense turf. Beeches are sensitive to road salt and are therefore unsuitable for immediate planting beside frequently salted roads. The root system is typically deep and strong; it is not aggressively invasive, but where space is limited some roots may expand and lift the surface, potentially damaging paving or shallow foundations. Prune sparingly: remove dead and damaged branches during dormancy and avoid heavy summer pruning, which leaves large wounds. Hardy to approximately −34 °C.
Last update 23-12-2007
