Blood beeches
The copper beech is a hardy tree that can grow wonderfully in our native climes. It is very suitable as a hedge plant, as Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' sprouts very warm red leaves that make the hedge opaque in summer. This makes it ideal as a screen from the neighbour's view.
Modification of the copper beech hedge in the summer
As summer progresses, the leaves of the copper beech change. They become flatter, brown-red to purple-red. At the end of summer, the leaves of the copper beech even turn slightly green in most cases, turning brown/gold/yellow in autumn.
How to give the copper beech the best care
The copper beech is very easy to prune, grows vigorously and can easily be kept at any height by pruning. Its smooth red foliage gives the hedge a lively appearance. It retains dry foliage in winter and thus remains an opaque hedge. The leaves only fall off when the new leaves emerge in spring. An annual growth of the fast-growing copper beech of 30cm is no problem.
How to find the best place for the copper beech in your garden
The hardy copper beech has been growing in Europe for centuries and is therefore a native plant. Unlike Carpinus, the Fagus is not very good at resisting soil that is too wet. The Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' loves lime in the soil. Make sure that the soil never dries out completely. The field can be sunny, but without direct irradiation of the bark. Fertilise every spring under the hedge so that the surface roots can take up good nourishment.
The optimal pruning of the copper beech
A Fagus hedge is pruned at least once a year in June (around the longest day of 21 June) and possibly again at the end of summer. Significant pruning, if the beech hedge has become too tall, can be done in March.
Buying copper beech
The plants are grown in pots. Therefore, you can use these plants all year round. For 1 metre of hedge you will need about 5 plants.
We wish you much pleasure with the copper beech in your garden.
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