Purple Beech

Purple beech ‘Spaethiana’ is a large deciduous tree selected for dark purple foliage and a crown narrower than that of common European beech. Its leaves emerge later than many beeches and keep their deep red-purple color well into autumn, making the cultivar a strong focal tree for parks and spacious gardens ([Van den Berk cultivar profile](https://www.vdberk.com/trees/fagus-sylvatica-spaethiana/); [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/fagus-sylvatica)). ## Size and siting Plan for a mature tree about 49–66 feet tall and 33–49 feet wide. The crown remains narrower than the species, but the tree still needs generous rooting space and room away from paving. It is best suited to a park-like lawn or large garden rather than a small foundation bed. ## Soil and season Choose moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil that drains well. Van den Berk reports that the cultivar does poorly with a high water table and does not tolerate hard surfaces above its root zone. Small yellow-green flowers appear in May as the foliage develops; the dark leaves remain ornamental through summer and into fall. ## Maintenance Allow the tree to establish before pruning and remove only damaged or crossing branches. European beech generally tolerates pruning, but this cultivar is grown mainly for its natural crown and foliage.