Dawyck Purple Beech

Fagus sylvatica

A narrow, columnar European beech with deep purple foliage; a striking vertical accent. Slow-growing and long-lived.

Sun
full sun to part shade
Water
moderate
Mature size
30-40 ft × 8-12 ft
Bloom
Inconspicuous — grown for columnar form and purple foliage.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4–7

Care guide

Quick ID

Narrow columnar European beech (*Fagus sylvatica* 'Dawyck Purple'). Deep purple foliage; bold vertical accent.

Sun & Site

Full sun to part shade; moist, well-drained soil. Dislikes wet or compacted soil. Light afternoon shade protects purple leaves in Draper.

Pruning & Shaping

Minimal pruning for the columnar habit. If needed, prune in late summer to reduce bleeding; remove dead/crossing wood.

In my garden

N51 plant
SunPart sun
Soilsandy loam, fast percolation
Water sourceCulinary
Hardiness hereZone 7
1
Plants
May 2025
Planted · ~1 yr
What I've done here
  • 2026-05Spring mulch push (May 12–16)
  • 2026-04-09Pre-emergent applied
formal garden1 plant
SunFull sun
Soilsandy loam, fast percolation
Water sourceCulinary
Hardiness hereZone 7
1
Plants
May 2025
Planted · ~1 yr
What I've done here
  • 2026-04-09Pre-emergent applied
  • 2026-04-08Osmocote (slow-release)