About This Tree
The Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Purple', commonly known as the Upright Purple Beech, is an elegant and striking deciduous tree that stands out with its unique, columnar form and rich purple foliage. This cultivar of the European Beech is particularly prized for its upright growth habit, making it an excellent choice for creating vertical accents in gardens and landscapes.
Key features of the Upright Purple Beech include its deep, lustrous purple leaves that hold their colour throughout the growing season, providing a dramatic contrast to the greens and other hues typically found in garden settings. In autumn, the foliage turns a stunning coppery-bronze before falling, adding a final burst of colour. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, which are followed by beech nuts in the fall, although these are not particularly significant from an ornamental perspective.
At maturity, the Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Purple' typically reaches a height of 10 to 15 meters, with a spread of about 3 to 4 meters, maintaining its narrow, columnar shape. This tree prefers well-drained, fertile soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade, although it will tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It is relatively low-maintenance and resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a robust and reliable choice for gardeners looking to add vertical interest and vibrant colour to their landscapes.