Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’ – Balls

Beech lends itself beautifully to large scale topiary, but it is unusual to see purple beech used in this way. This is a really great way to stop your friends in their tracks. Adds real originality and character to any of your topiarised beds or borders. Well placed balls or pillows, amongst other evergreen planting, really makes for a striking and dramatic contrast.

The leaves will emerge a dark purple in the spring and pretty much maintain this colour throughout the summer, before the autumn reds and oranges develop. As with most beech plants they can exhibit marcescence, which is the retention of dead, brown leaves through the winter until the old foliage is pushed off the following spring as the new leaves emerge – and the cycle continues.

Purple beech balls will add impact and style to your garden whether within borders or delineating paths or gateways. Mostly beech is seed raised so there may be a little variation. You will be unlikely to get seed since the spring catkins and autumnal mast seeds are going to be lost when clipping. An undemanding plant, they will be hardy whether they are in a sheltered or an exposed position. Plant them in any moist to dry soil including chalk, as long as it is well-drained and they will flourish in sun or in partial shade. This is not something we have offered before and I for one can’t wait until the spring and the leaves start emerging.