Green / Copper Beech Tree 80/100cm (10L)

The Green / Copper Beech Tree – Fagus sylvatica is one of the best loved native trees in British gardens, prized as much for its versatility as its beauty. Whether you choose the classic green form or the dramatic copper leaved variety, this vigorous deciduous tree brings structure, colour and wildlife value to gardens, woodlands and hedgerows alike.

In spring, fresh leaves unfurl in soft yellow-green (or, on copper forms, a deep wine red) with a silky texture and gently wavy margins. Through summer the canopy thickens into dense, lush foliage that provides excellent shade and screening, while small green flowers give way to spiky beech nuts, or ‘masts’, loved by squirrels, mice and birds. Come autumn, the real show begins, with leaves turning rich shades of russet, copper, gold and orange before crisping to a warm brown. Remarkably, when grown as a clipped hedge, beech holds onto these dried leaves right through winter, giving gardens a warm, rustling screen of colour even in the depths of the coldest months.

Beech is endlessly versatile. Left to grow naturally it becomes a magnificent specimen tree with smooth grey bark and a broad, spreading crown, eventually reaching impressive heights given time and space. Clipped regularly, it makes one of the finest formal or informal hedges available, valued for its density, neat habit and ability to hold its leaves over winter. It’s also wonderful in wildlife gardens, supporting insects, birds and small mammals throughout the year.

Caring for Beech in the British Climate

Beech is a thoroughly hardy native tree that copes well with the British climate, shrugging off sharp frosts and blustery winds once established.

Position and soil – Plant in full sun or partial shade. Beech tolerates most well-drained soils, including chalk, sand, loam and clay, though it dislikes waterlogged ground, so improve heavy soils with grit or organic matter before planting.

Planting – Pot grown beech can go in any time the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, though autumn and winter are ideal for letting roots establish before the growing season. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot, plant at the same depth as the container, and firm in well.

Watering and feeding – Water regularly through the first one to two growing seasons, especially in dry spells, to help roots settle in. Once established, beech copes well with drought. A spring mulch of well-rotted compost or a balanced fertiliser supports strong growth, particularly on young hedging plants.

Pruning – For hedges, trim once or twice a year, ideally in late summer, to keep growth dense and encourage good leaf retention. Specimen trees need little more than removing damaged or crossing branches over winter.

Pests and diseases – Generally trouble free, though watch for aphids, beech bark scale and, occasionally, powdery mildew or honey fungus. Protect young plants from rabbits and deer.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres

Please note: Decorative pots shown are for display purposes only. Your tree will be supplied in a standard plastic nursery pot shown in the other pictures.