172 gardener saves
Fagus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 10 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 10 most-saved Fagus varieties
Of 10 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedPurple Weeping European Beech
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea Pendula'
#2 most savedRed Obelisk Beech
Fagus sylvatica 'Red Obelisk'
#3 most savedTricolor Beech
Fagus sylvatica 'Tricolor'
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Purple Sawtooth European Beech
Fagus sylvatica 'Rohanii'
Tricolor European Beech
Fagus sylvatica 'Roseo-Marginata'
Purple Fountain Beech
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'
Dawyck Upright European Beech
Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyckii'
Weeping European Beech
Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula'
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
How to grow Fagus
What the Fagus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 10 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Fagus year
- PruneJanuary and February100% of varieties
Prune dead or crossing branches in late winter to maintain structure.
- MulchApril and October90% of varieties
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October70% of varieties
Plant balled-and-burlapped trees in early spring or fall.
- Check for PestsApril–June30% of varieties
Inspect for beech scale and aphids on new growth.
Do
- Allow lower branches to remain for several years to build trunk caliper.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells, as beech has shallow roots.
- Protect the thin bark from mechanical damage (e.g., mowers, string trimmers).
- Provide consistent moisture, as beech trees are not drought tolerant.
- Mulch the root zone to keep the shallow roots cool.
Avoid
- Do not fertilize unless a soil test indicates a deficiency.
- Avoid planting in hot, dry, exposed sites.
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
- Do not plant in poorly drained or compacted soil.
What goes wrong with Fagus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Beech Scale | White, waxy dots on the bark, often leading to Beech Bark Disease. | Scrub off small infestations with a soft brush. Apply dormant oil in late winter. Systemic insecticides may be needed. |
| Aphids | Clusters of insects on new growth and undersides of leaves, causing leaf curl and sticky honeydew. | Encourage beneficial insects. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. |
| Beech Aphid | White, woolly aphids on the undersides of leaves and branches; sticky honeydew. | Often controlled by natural predators. A strong spray of water can help. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil for heavy infestations. |
| Beech Blight Aphid | White, woolly aphids covering branches and twigs, dripping sticky honeydew. | Usually not harmful. A strong jet of water can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap can be used for severe cases. |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions. | Ensure good air circulation. Apply horticultural oil or a fungicide containing potassium bicarbonate. |
| Beech Bark Disease | Cankers, oozing patches, and dieback, resulting from a scale-fungus complex. | No cure. Focus on prevention by controlling beech scale insects. Remove heavily infected trees. |
| Leaf Scorch | Browning and crisping of leaf margins, especially the lighter variegated parts. | This is a cultural issue, not a disease. Provide adequate water and protect from hot sun and drying winds. Mulching helps keep roots cool. |
Making more Fagus
Grafting
- Collect scion wood from 'Rohanii' in winter.
- Use a whip-and-tongue graft onto Fagus sylvatica rootstock.
- Wrap the union securely and seal with wax.
- Grow on in a protected environment for one year.
Seed
- Collect nuts in fall after they drop.
- Stratify in moist sand at 40F for 3-4 months.
- Sow in prepared beds in spring.
- Protect seedlings from rodents.
Fagus questions
How many types of Fagus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 10 distinct Fagus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 172 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Fagus grow in?
Across its varieties, Fagus covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Fagus bloom?
Most Fagus varieties bloom in mid-spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Fagus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Fagus shows up in
Design with Fagus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
