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Fagus sylvatica (Common beech)
1 hour care
per year
per year
15m
Max height
Max height
12m
Max spread
Max spread
20-50 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Fagus sylvatica
Other names
Common beech, European beech
Genus
Fagus Fagus
Species
F. sylvatica - F. sylvatica is a large and fast-growing deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown; elliptic, yellow-green leaves in spring, turning rich russet-brown in autumn; and small, green flowers, followed by bristly fruits.
Fagus sylvatica is: Deciduous
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Green, Insignificant or absent in Spring
Foliage
Yellow-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Russet in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids , Beech bark scale Aphids , Beech bark scale
Beech bark disease , Bracket fungi on standing trees , Coral spot , Foot and root rot , Heart rot Beech bark disease , Bracket fungi on standing trees , Coral spot , Foot and root rot , Heart rot
General care
Pruning
Hedging should be trimmed back in summer. No other attention is required, bar the removal or damaged or diseased shoots. If one wishes the tree to retain its distinctive dried-out leaves throughout winter it should be trimmed in late summer.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Fagus sylvatica (Common beech) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 12m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Foliage only, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Topiary
Cultivation
Grows well in any but waterlogged soils in sun or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Fagus sylvatica
Other names
Common beech, European beech
Genus
Fagus Fagus
Species
F. sylvatica - F. sylvatica is a large and fast-growing deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown; elliptic, yellow-green leaves in spring, turning rich russet-brown in autumn; and small, green flowers, followed by bristly fruits.
Foliage
Deciduous
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Green, Insignificant or absent in Spring
Foliage
Yellow-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Russet in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Specific diseases
Beech bark disease , Bracket fungi on standing trees , Coral spot , Foot and root rot , Heart rot
General care
Pruning
Hedging should be trimmed back in summer. No other attention is required, bar the removal or damaged or diseased shoots. If one wishes the tree to retain its distinctive dried-out leaves throughout winter it should be trimmed in late summer.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Fagus sylvatica (Common beech) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 12m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Foliage only, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Topiary
Cultivation
Grows well in any but waterlogged soils in sun or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
The garden, On The Edge, has been designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Winner Frederic Whyte and built by Charles Benton, of co-sponsors Benton Landscapes. read more
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