Purple Fountain Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'): Columnar Weeping Form with Purple Foliage

Purple fountain beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain') is a deciduous, columnar, dark-leaved tree with bronze-purple, wavy-margined leaves and cascading branches. Leaves become greener as summer progresses. Fall color is yellow, then orange-brown.

Culture & Propagation

Grow in full sun (for best purple color) or partial shade in any well-drained soil. Sow seed in autumn or spring (after winter stratification). Graft in mid-winter. Watch for limb canker, powdery mildew, butt/wood rot, bracket fungi.

Quick Reference

• Height: 15–30 ft.
• Spread: 10–15 ft.
• Growth Pace: Slow
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Foliage: Colorful/burgundy (purple, fading to green)
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Uses: Specimen, pleaching, woodland gardens