All Species > Fagus sylvatica

Copper Beech

Deciduous broadleaf with smooth bark, fine twigs, and beautiful leaf texture; slow to ramify but powerful structure.

Seasonal Care Guide

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun to partial shade
  • Notes: Provide light afternoon shade in hot summers to protect foliage.
  • Winter: Hardy; protect roots in container from deep freeze.
  • Summer: Mist foliage in dry conditions; avoid full sun exposure in extreme heat.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Deciduous
  • Form: Broadleaf

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Moderate
  • Notes: Even moisture preferred; do not allow to dry out completely.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Feed lightly to avoid excessive elongation; stop mid-summer.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Late spring to early summer
  • Notes: Wire while young; older branches set slowly and can scar.
  • Pruning: Structural in early spring, maintenance mid-season
  • Notes: Pinch new shoots to encourage back budding.
  • Repotting: Every 2-3 years
  • Notes: Repot just before bud break; beech dislikes root disturbance.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Seedlings take years to mature; layering works for older wood.

Zone 8b Considerations

Protect roots if temps < 20 F