Weeping Purple Beech

Weeping Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea Pendula')

Weeping Purple Beech is a compact, umbrella-shaped beech with cascading branches and rich purple foliage that holds color through the season before warming to copper in fall. Its graceful, low weeping canopy creates a dramatic specimen for lawns, courtyards, and entry spaces.

Distinctive Features

Deep purple leaves on elegantly pendulous branches form a dense, ground-sweeping silhouette with smooth gray bark for winter interest. Naturally slow growing and compact, it delivers high impact without overwhelming small landscapes.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade helpful in hotter climates to reduce leaf scorch.
• Soil: Fertile, well drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; avoid compaction and high alkalinity.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment; provide deep watering in extended dry periods.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7.
• Mature Size: 8 to 12 ft tall and 10 to 15 ft wide, depending on graft height and training.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Architectural weeping form and purple foliage draw the eye in any season.
• Lawn Specimen: Stands alone beautifully where its canopy can drape to the ground.
• Court yards and Entries: Scaled for smaller spaces while providing strong presence.
• Patio Edges: Softens hardscape with cascading branches and summer shade.
• Four-Season Interest: Colorful foliage and distinctive winter silhouette add year-round appeal.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly the first 2 to 3 years; reduce frequency once established.
• Pruning: Minimal; if needed, prune lightly in late summer to shape and avoid heavy bleeding cuts.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth appears weak.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 inch mulch ring, keeping mulch off the trunk, to conserve moisture and protect roots.
• Notes: Provide wind protection for tender spring foliage and avoid reflected heat or droughty, compacted soils.

Why Choose Weeping Purple Beech?

• Striking Architecture: Naturally weeping canopy creates a living sculpture in the garden.
• Bold Foliage Color: Purple leaves provide contrast to greens and silvers all season.
• Compact Scale: Delivers specimen impact without the footprint of larger trees.
• Low Litter: Generally tidy with minimal fruiting and manageable cleanup.
• Design Versatility: Enhances classic, contemporary, and woodland settings alike.

Site in a fertile, well drained spot with morning sun and light afternoon shade, and train early to your preferred canopy height for the best long-term form.