Fagus sylvatica 'ROHANII' European beech


European beech is a reliable and hardy tree of our climate. There are many wild forms, hybridized varieties, and selections on market these days that can satisfy the taste of almost everyone. This variety was found at Sychrov Castle of Bohemia (now Czech Republic) in 1888, which was the estate of Prince Camille de Rohan. He was an enthusiastic botanist and he led a horticultural society in Prague. A few beech varieties were named in his honour.
Rohanii is a favourite red-leaved beech variety. It makes highly attractive, shallowly lobed, undulated leaves of dark purple red colour in summer and amber golden-brown in autumn. The tree is a vigorous grower reaching height of almost 18m, still it is often found in not so large gardens where it is regularly pruned in spring in order to achieve a very dense habit and smaller size.
It can live in a wide range of well-drained soils, from slightly alkaline to slightly acid. Red-leaved forms need full sun for best leaf colour. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).
Last update 09-03-2018