Tricolor European Beech Tree

It goes without saying that we love plants here at Nature Hills, and we always appreciate it when an old friend is 'rediscovered' by gardening aficionados - even if it took them 200 years!

The gorgeous Tricolor European Beech Tree (Fagus sylvatica 'Roseomarginata') has started heating up in the landscape scene in the last few years. Almost exactly like we imagine them being hot on the scene when they were first introduced in Europe in 1888!

The Tricolor European Beech stands out in the garden because the famous three-colored leaves make a big impact - up close and at a distance! Up close the leaves are purple with an irregular margin of blushing white and rich rose. From a distance, the overall purple effect stands out more prominently than other purple-leaved trees.

Snip a few branches in a big vase and make a statement indoors so you can admire these unique leaves up close! The prominent parallel veins and wavy irregular margins are accented by long catkins in the spring.

This is a deciduous tree without a big leaf change in autumn when the summer tones transform into a rich golden bronze! That's when the smooth gray bark is on full display for the winter months. Wonderfully cold hardy trees, European Beech grow large and spread wide, eventually, growing 50 - 70 feet in height and 40 - 60 feet in width.

Landscape Application:

We are seeing these fantastic trees used more frequently as front yard statement trees and in forest and grove plantings. Try this tree on a smaller city lot as a shade tree, lawn specimen, or planted as an exclamation point among evergreens.

Naturalize on larger properties and create lush groves of color that the birds will flock to! Park a reading chair or hammock beneath their wide-spreading limbs and enjoy the lush shade these trees provide. Envelop a seating area or firepit in a ring of these trees as pretty privacy and garden 'walls'!

Wildlife enjoy the spikey shells of Beech nuts which ripen between September and November. These nuts develop singly (unlike American Beech that grow in clusters), and can be eaten by humans but must be roasted to be safe for consumption, so it's best you leave them to your squirrels.

• Striking Three-Color Burgundy, White & Rose Colored Leaves
• Unique Fuzzy Leaf Margins
• Golden-Bronze Autumn Color
• Edible/Wildlife-Friendly Beech Nuts In Fall
• Large-Scale Hardwood Tree - Valuable Lumber
• Perfect Specimen, Shade Tree, or Focal Point Tree

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Baby these trees for their first couple of years in their new home, ensuring that where you plant them is where they will remain for life. Give them regular moisture using the Finger Test to ensure they do not dry out between waterings. Tricolor European Beech is very cold-hardy (it doesn't do well in extreme heat and humidity) and likes some afternoon shade and regular watering. Preferring well-drained sites that are slightly acidic, in a protected location with a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around their roots.

• Full Sun In Coldest Zones, Part Shade/Afternoon Shade In Hot Zones
• Well-Drained Slightly Acidic Soil
• Moderate Moisture Needs
• Appreciates Mulched Beds
• Cold Hardy, Slow Growing & Long-Lived

A little care will reward you with one of the latest 200-year-old garden fads! Don't wait and get on the bandwagon today! NatureHills.com will ship your new garden favorites to your doorstep!