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Purple Fountain Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Fagus sylvatica, the European beech, is a large, stately deciduous tree known for its smooth, silver-gray bark and dense, spreading canopy. It provides excellent shade and has beautiful golden-bronze fall color. 'Purple Fountain' is a remarkable weeping cultivar with a narrow, upright form and cascading branches. Its deep purple, wavy-edged leaves hold their color well through summer before turning coppery in the fall, creating a dramatic, year-round focal point.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its dramatic weeping habit and deep purple foliage make 'Purple Fountain' a premier specimen tree. The narrow form is perfect for smaller landscapes, courtyards, or as a vertical accent in mixed borders, providing year-round architectural interest.

The tree's narrow footprint allows it to be planted closer to structures than its larger parent species, providing targeted shade without overwhelming a space. Its dense foliage can also serve as a seasonal privacy screen.

While a cultivar, it still provides benefits of the species, such as shelter for birds. The small nuts (beechmast) produced by the species are a food source for various wildlife, including squirrels and chipmunks, though production on this cultivar may be limited.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with well-drained soil and good air circulation.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the original soil, firming it gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Provide consistent moisture and protect from harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch and maintain best color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells, especially for the first few years.
Maintain a consistent layer of mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
Prune only as needed in late winter to maintain its natural form.
Provide good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
Avoid cultivating or compacting the soil over the shallow root system.
Don't allow the soil to completely dry out.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which can force weak growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic vertical specimenArchitectural focal point in narrow spacesElegant courtyard or formal garden tree

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Halcyon' Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' Heuchera 'Palace Purple' Geranium 'Rozanne' Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Purple Fountain Beech questions

What zones can Purple Fountain Beech grow in?

Purple Fountain Beech is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Purple Fountain Beech deer resistant?

Yes — Purple Fountain Beech is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Purple Fountain Beech bloom?

Purple Fountain Beech typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Purple Fountain Beech need full sun?

Purple Fountain Beech does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.