WHAT: Cutleaf purple beech, also known as the Rohanii variety of fagus sylvatica, is one of the most majestic trees gardeners can add to larger landscapes.
WHY PLANT IT: Its smooth, gray-barked trunk and muscular, laterally layered branches combine with deeply lobed, dark leaves with fringed margins that create a stained-glass effect when backlit.
WHERE: It is tolerant of tough urban conditions, including sandy or clay soils. It prefers some summer moisture, but is drought tolerant once established.
HOW: Minimize planting beneath this tree. Mature specimens cast a deep shade and have a shallow, competitive root system. Tough plants such as native sword fern, creeping mahonia or colorful yet noninvasive variegated Persian ivy will tolerate these difficult conditions.
Pruning should be minimal. Cutleaf purple beech’s naturally majestic form can be ruined by careless pruning. Its thin and delicate bark can be easily injured, leading to potential rot in the main branches or trunk. Mature trees are best pruned by professionals.
Avoid planting near driveways or patios where sticky droppings from aphids can fall on objects below.
ACTUAL SIZE: This slow-growing deciduous tree can reach 25 feet tall and 18 feet wide in 10 years.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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