Big Deal Copper Beech 100/120cm Root Ball x 20 Delivery from October

Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' – Copper Beech

A Majestic Statement Tree with Deep Purple Foliage & Timeless Seasonal Colour

Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' is one of the finest and most richly coloured Copper Beeches available, widely regarded as the darkest of the purple-leaved beech cultivars. In spring, broad, oval leaves emerge in a vivid, lustrous purple, deepening through summer to an intense, near-black burgundy. As autumn arrives, the canopy shifts to warm tones of copper and bronze before the leaves dry and persist on the branches well into winter — providing continued presence and structure long after most deciduous trees have shed. A truly four-season tree of exceptional character.

'Riversii' develops into a large, rounded, spreading tree with a smooth grey bark and a dense, elegant canopy. It is a long-lived specimen that grows in stature and beauty with each passing decade, making it an outstanding choice for parkland planting, large gardens, avenues, or as a bold focal point in any landscape setting.

Key Features

• Foliage: Deep purple in spring, darkening to near-black burgundy in summer, turning warm copper-bronze in autumn

• Winter Interest: Retains dried leaves well into winter, maintaining structure and colour

• Form: Large, rounded, spreading deciduous tree with a dense canopy

• Bark: Smooth silver-grey, attractive year-round

• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK

• Wildlife Value: Provides shelter, nesting sites, and beech mast for birds and small mammals

Perfect For

• Specimen and focal point planting in large gardens and parkland

• Avenue and formal landscape planting

• Adding bold colour contrast in mixed tree planting schemes

• Long-term legacy planting and heritage gardens

• Wildlife-friendly planting schemes

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun to partial shade — best foliage colour is achieved in full sun, which intensifies the deep purple tones throughout the growing season.

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil is ideal. 'Riversii' performs best on lighter loams and chalk soils, and will tolerate sandy or clay soils provided drainage is adequate. Avoid sites prone to waterlogging or prolonged standing water.

• Shelter: Reasonably tolerant of exposure, though a sheltered position will encourage the most vigorous early growth and protect the emerging spring foliage from late frosts.

Care & Pruning

• Watering: Water regularly throughout the first growing season to help the tree establish a strong root system. Once settled, 'Riversii' is notably drought tolerant and requires little supplementary watering.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser at planting and in early spring during the first few years to encourage healthy establishment and vigorous growth.

• Pruning: As a specimen tree, 'Riversii' requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late autumn or winter while the tree is fully dormant. Early formative pruning to establish a clear leader and balanced framework will reward you with a well-shaped, structurally sound canopy in maturity.

• Mulching: Apply a generous layer of organic mulch around the base each spring, keeping it clear of the trunk, to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil condition.

Tip: Plant 'Riversii' where its dark foliage can be viewed against a light sky or pale backdrop — the contrast is particularly striking and showcases the depth of colour to full effect throughout the season.