Big Deal Copper Beech 7.5 Litre Pot Grown 180/200cm x 20 Delivery from October

Copper Beech Tree

Majestic Colour & Timeless Presence in the Garden

Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea') is one of the most spectacular ornamental trees in the British landscape. Fresh purple foliage emerges in spring, deepening to a rich, lustrous burgundy-copper through summer before transitioning to warm tones of bronze and russet in autumn. As a deciduous tree, it sheds its leaves in winter, though its broad, sweeping canopy and impressive silhouette ensure it remains a focal point throughout the year. Whether planted as a grand specimen, used to anchor a large border, or grown as part of a mixed woodland scheme, Copper Beech delivers dramatic colour and enduring structure in equal measure.

Key Features

• Foliage: Deep purple in spring and summer, turning rich bronze and russet in autumn

• Form: Broadly spreading, dome-shaped crown with smooth grey bark

• Wildlife Value: Supports insects, birds, and small mammals; mast provides food for wildlife in autumn

• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK

• Longevity: Extremely long-lived — a true garden legacy tree

Perfect For

• Specimen planting in large gardens, parklands, and estates

• Creating dramatic focal points with year-round structural presence

• Mixed woodland and naturalistic planting schemes

• Adding bold, contrasting colour among green-foliaged trees and shrubs

• Wildlife-friendly gardens

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun to partial shade; foliage colour is most vivid and intense in an open, sunny aspect

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil; tolerates clay, loam, and chalk but dislikes waterlogged or compacted ground

• Exposure: Reasonably wind-tolerant once established; shelter from cold, desiccating winds is beneficial when young

• pH: Adaptable to slightly acidic through to alkaline soils

Planting & Care

• Planting Time: Autumn through early spring is ideal, allowing roots to establish before the growing season begins

• Watering: Water regularly through the first two growing seasons until the tree is fully established; mature trees are largely drought-tolerant

• Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth in the early years

• Mulching: A generous mulch of well-rotted compost or bark around the base helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the root zone

• Pruning: Minimal pruning is required for free-growing specimens. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter while the tree is dormant. Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season

Tip: Allow ample space for this tree to realise its full, majestic spread — generous planting distances from buildings, boundaries, and other trees will be rewarded with a truly impressive canopy over time.

Why Choose Copper Beech?

• Unrivalled foliage colour — one of the finest purple-leaved trees available

• Seasonal interest from the first purple flush of spring through to autumn's copper glow

• Fully hardy and long-lived — a statement tree that improves with every passing year

• Valuable to wildlife, from insects and birds to small mammals

• A classic British landscape tree with timeless, enduring appeal