Purple Beech: What You Need To Know | Hedging UK

Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’), also known as Copper Beech, is a stunning deciduous hedging plant with deep purple foliage that offers a rich, architectural presence throughout the year. Like Green Beech, it retains its crisp autumn leaves through the winter months when pruned as a hedge, ensuring excellent year-round privacy and structure.

Below is some useful information about using Purple Beech for hedges, or take a look at our Purple Beech Hedging Plants for sale.

Purple Beech Description:

Growth Habit:

Purple Beech has a strong, upright form, creating a dense and tidy hedge with regular pruning. Its refined shape and rich foliage make it ideal for formal gardens and as a statement boundary.

Foliage:

The foliage emerges in spring as a coppery red and deepens to rich purple in summer, occasionally developing green tones in low light. In autumn, the leaves fade to a bronzed russet and often remain on the branches through winter when clipped, providing privacy in all seasons.

Flowers and Fruits:

Inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers appear in the spring, followed by beechnuts in the autumn, which birds and small mammals appreciate.

Sunlight and Soil Requirements:

These hedges thrive in full sun to partial shade, though the best leaf colour develops in full sun. It prefers well-drained soils—chalky or sandy loams are ideal. Avoid soils that are heavy, wet, or compacted.

Hedge Pruning:

For best shape and leaf retention, prune in late summer, from July to August. A second light winter trim may be used to tidy up the form or reduce size.

Maintenance:

Once established, it is easy to maintain. Water well in dry spells during its first two years, mulch annually, and prune consistently to keep a dense and colourful structure.

Hardiness:

This hedge species is fully hardy across the UK. It is tolerant of frost, wind, and cold, making it suitable for most regions with good drainage.

Toxicity:

Beech leaves and nuts are non-toxic to humans and pets, though the nuts may cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large amounts.

Where is the Best Place to Plant a Purple Beech Hedge?

Light Requirements:
Full sun produces the best purple foliage colour. It will tolerate some shade, though leaves may be greener in those conditions.

Soil Type:
Well-drained soils are key—loamy, chalky, or sandy soils work best. Avoid poorly draining clay soils.

Space and Size:
Ideal for medium or tall hedges along boundaries, driveways, and formal avenues.

Protection from Winds:
Although hardy, the foliage performs best in sheltered or moderately exposed locations.

Accessibility:
Allow room for regular trimming and maintenance, especially at the base of the hedge.

What Time of Year Do You Plant Purple Beech?

The best times to plant are in autumn (October to December) and early spring (February to April).

• Bare root plants: Plant during the dormant season (Nov–March)
• Container-grown plants: Can be planted year-round with proper watering

How Far Apart to Plant Purple Beech for a Hedge?

Recommended planting distances:

• Single row: 30–45cm apart
• Double staggered row: 45–60cm apart

Closer spacing results in quicker density. Further spacing is more cost-effective over larger runs.

How Do I Plant Purple Beech?

• Prepare the site by removing weeds and digging a trench
• Improve the soil with compost or well-rotted manure if needed
• Plant at the same depth as the plant was growing in the nursery
• Firm the soil and water thoroughly
• Mulch around the base and water regularly until established

How Far to Plant Purple Beech from a Fence?

Allow 45–60cm (1.5–2 feet) between the hedge and a fence or wall. This ensures good air circulation and allows space for growth and maintenance.

How Fast Does Purple Beech Grow?

This hedge type has a moderate growth rate, typically growing 30–60cm (1–2 feet) per year in optimal conditions. Regular pruning helps create a dense, bushy hedge within 3–5 years.

How Big Does Purple Beech Get?

Left unpruned, it can grow into a large tree up to 30 metres (100 feet) tall. As a hedge, it is usually maintained between 1.5 and 4 metres (5–13 feet) high, depending on your requirements.

Is Purple Beech Hardy in the UK?

Yes—this hedge plant is fully hardy and well-suited to the UK climate, provided the soil is free-draining.

Can You Keep Purple Beech Small?

Absolutely. With regular trimming, it can be kept compact and neat, as low as 1 metre tall, while still retaining its structure and colour.

Can Purple Beech Be Cut Back Hard?

Yes. It tolerates hard pruning well, especially when done in winter. Overgrown hedges can be cut back and will regenerate from older wood.

How Do You Thicken a Purple Beech Hedge?

To encourage density:

• Prune once or twice a year, ideally in summer
• Water well in dry periods and mulch in spring
• Feed with a balanced fertiliser to promote new leafy growth
• Trim sides slightly wider at the base to allow sunlight to reach the lower leaves

Which Grows Faster: Purple Beech or Green Beech?

Both have similar growth rates. The main difference is aesthetic: Purple Beech offers more visual impact with its bold foliage, while Green Beech has a fresher, lighter appearance. The purple variety performs best in full sun to maintain deep leaf colour.

Do Purple Beech Hedges Lose Their Leaves?

Yes, it is deciduous, but when regularly trimmed as a hedge, many of the leaves turn bronze and stay on the branches through winter, especially in sheltered areas. This gives the hedge an evergreen appearance and ensures winter screening.

Conclusion

Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’) is a luxurious, eye-catching alternative to traditional hedging plants. With deep burgundy foliage, elegant form, and year-round screening, it’s perfect for both modern and classic gardens. It thrives in well-drained soil and responds well to pruning, making it a long-lasting and low-maintenance choice for rich, formal hedges.