Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea Group

A bold, long‑lived tree with deep purple foliage and exceptional landscape impact

The Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea Group includes some of the finest purple‑leaved forms of the European Beech, renowned for their rich copper‑purple foliage, elegant branching, and commanding presence in the landscape. These trees deliver dramatic colour from spring through autumn, making them a standout choice for gardens, parks, avenues, and large estates.

New leaves emerge a vibrant reddish‑purple in spring, deepening to a luxurious dark purple in summer. In autumn, the foliage shifts to warm bronze tones, with many leaves remaining on the tree through winter, providing valuable structure and screening. With their broad, rounded crowns and smooth grey bark, members of the Atropurpurea Group are ideal as specimen trees or for creating striking purple beech hedging.

🌿 Key Features

• Deep purple foliage — dramatic colour from spring to late autumn

• Strong architectural form — broad crown and graceful branching

• Excellent screening — retains dry leaves in winter for added cover

• Hardy & long‑lived — thrives in Irish conditions with excellent resilience

• Versatile landscape use — ideal as a specimen tree, avenue planting, or hedge

🌱 Growing Information

• Height & Spread: 15–25m tall; wide, rounded crown

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well‑drained soil; avoid waterlogged sites

• Maintenance: Low; prune hedges in late summer if shaping

• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland