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Tricolor Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Tricolor'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived, 100+ years

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Nuts are mildly toxic if eaten in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

Fagus sylvatica, the European Beech, is a large, majestic deciduous tree known for its smooth, silver-gray bark, dense canopy, and beautiful foliage that turns golden-bronze in fall. 'Tricolor' (also known as 'Purpurea Tricolor' or 'Roseomarginata') is a stunning smaller cultivar with dramatic variegated foliage. Leaves emerge deep purple with irregular bright pink margins, which mature to cream over the summer.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Tricolor Beech is one of the most beautiful specimen trees available, offering a breathtaking display of color from spring through fall. Its elegant form and smooth gray bark provide year-round appeal.

Its slower growth rate and smaller ultimate size compared to the species make it suitable for smaller residential landscapes where a full-sized beech would be overwhelming.

Like other beech trees, it can provide shelter for birds. The small, edible beechnuts are a food source for squirrels, chipmunks, and other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure the soil is rich and well-drained; amend if necessary.
Dig a wide, shallow hole, no deeper than the root ball.
Place the tree so its root flare is at or just above soil level.
Backfill with native soil, watering to settle out air pockets.
Mulch the entire root zone, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Protect this tree from hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate variegated leaves and cause the colors to fade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location with protection from harsh sun and wind.
Maintain a consistent layer of mulch over the root zone.
Water regularly during establishment and dry spells.
Prune out any branches that revert to solid purple or green.

Don't

Do not plant in full, all-day sun.
Avoid waterlogged or heavy, compacted clay soils.
Do not disturb the shallow root system with cultivation.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can reduce variegation.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Exquisite specimen tree for filtered lightColorful accent in a woodland gardenLiving sculpture for multi-season interest

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Frances Williams' Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' Astilbe 'Fanal' Acer palmatum 'Viridis' Rhododendron 'P.J.M.'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tricolor Beech questions

What zones can Tricolor Beech grow in?

Tricolor 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 Tricolor Beech deer resistant?

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

When does Tricolor Beech bloom?

Tricolor 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 Tricolor Beech need full sun?

Tricolor Beech does best in part shade.