Tricolor Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea tricolor’ or ‘Roseo-Marginata’)

Tree… tree… tree… Green… green… green… Wait, does that tree have pink edges on its leaves? Why yes, I do believe it does!

Characterized by strikingly variegated leaves in shades of green, white, purple, and pink, the European Tricolor Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea tricolor’ or ‘Roseo-Marginata’) has an arresting presence that certainly grabs your attention. Spring through autumn, the Tricolor Beech has exceptional seasonal color making it a great specimen tree or focal point for your landscape. In fact, in my opinion, it just screams focal point. In spring, the foliage is pink-edged with a purple core, for summer a more solid, glossy purple, in the fall a brilliant coppery-bronze, and when back lit by the rising or setting sun, the view is to die for. Even in winter, the smooth silver-gray bark of the Tricolor’s trunk stands out among the ordinary browns and blacks of other tree species.

Photo by Jean-Pol Grandmont CC BY SA 3.0

Conversely, although quite hardy for cooler and temperate climates, the Tricolor Beech does not perform well in high heat and humidity, and may require extra care and watering during the warmer months. In addition, partial or afternoon shade is necessary to prevent leaf burn that can result in ‘crispy’ looking foliage.

Photo by David D’Agostino CC BY SA 2.0

Tricolor beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea tricolor’ or ‘Roseo-Marginata) is native to the woodlands of central and southern Europe, grows best in zones 4-7, reaches a height of 24-40 feet with a spread of 18-25 feet, grows quite slowly, prefers moist well-drained slightly acidic soils, flourishes best in partial shade, blooms yellow-green in late spring (flower is not showy or significant), has a broad, rounded and pyramidal shape, and is most well-known for its characteristic variegated leaves in shades of green, pink, and white.

Need an awesome focal point and a little shade? Try the Tricolor Beech! Call us today at 703-679-8550, and we’ll give you some great suggestions on how to incorporate it into YOUR landscape.