This is a beautiful and one-of-a-kind type of European beech tree. It is also called purple beech or rosemary leaf beech. When they first come out in the spring, their leaves are a beautiful shade of purple, pink, and cream. In the fall, they change to beautiful bronze and copper colors. If you want to add one of these beautiful trees to your yard, here are some important facts about tricolor beech trees and where you can buy them near you.
Overview of Tri Color Beech Trees
Tri color beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Roseomarginata’ or ‘Purpurea Tricolor’) is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows 20-30 feet tall with a 15-20 foot spread though can reach 40 feet tall under ideal conditions. It features a naturally graceful pyramidal to oval growth habit.
The smooth gray bark and pleasing form make it an excellent focal point or specimen tree. However, the main draw is the beautiful colorful foliage. The leaves emerge deep purple edged in bright pink in spring. As the season progresses, the leaves transition to bronze-green and soft pink before turning attractive coppery shades in fall.
Tri color beech thrives in full sun to part shade and does best in moist, well-drained soil. It is easy to grow, relatively low maintenance and tolerant of pollution and drought once established. The foliage is also deer resistant.
Overall, this exceptional variety adds four seasons of interest to landscapes. It works nicely as a standalone specimen tree or for framing entryways and corners of homes.
Where to Buy Tri Color Beech Trees Near Me
Tri color beech trees are sold at many nurseries and garden centers, especially those that specialize in unique ornamental trees. Here are some tips for finding them near you:
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Check local independent nurseries – Many local nurseries and family-owned garden centers will carry a selection of tri color beech trees in stock or can order them for you These small businesses are a great place to find more unusual plants
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Visit big stores. Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart are just a few of the big chains that sell a few tri-colored beech trees, mostly in the spring and fall. Availability may depend on your location.
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Look online—Online stores and nurseries let you shop from the comfort of your own home. Wilson Bros, Nature Hills Nursery, Fast Growing Trees, and Spring Hill Nursery are some of the places you can choose from. Trees are sent to you at the best time for planting in your area.
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Check for regional growers – Search for tree nurseries in your region that propagate their own stock. They may offer tri color beech trees suitable for your area that are acclimatized to local conditions.
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Attend sales at botanical gardens – Many botanical gardens and arboretums hold annual plant sales featuring unique trees like the tri color beech sourced from quality growers.
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Join local tree groups—Local tree and garden groups or the newsletter of a local garden center can give you inside information on tree sales.
When buying, inspect trees closely and select those with healthy root systems and foliage with good color. Purchasing in late winter or early spring gives you the best selection. Container-grown trees can be planted anytime during the growing season.
What to Look for When Buying
When shopping for a tri color beech tree, here are a few things to look for to ensure you select a high-quality specimen:
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Well-formed canopy – Choose a tree with evenly distributed branches and a balanced shape. Avoid trees with lopsided or sparse branching.
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Straight trunk – Select a tree with a relatively straight trunk, free of significant damage or scars. Some minor curvature is okay.
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Vibrant leaf color – Pick a tree with bright purplish-pink new growth or inner leaves. Avoid trees with faded color or mostly plain green leaves.
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Healthy roots – Inspect the root ball and avoid trees with roots that are girdling around the trunk or exposed at the top. The roots should be white, plentiful and undamaged.
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Good vigor – Look for signs of vigorous growth like plump leaf buds and an abundance of new shoots. Steer clear of weak or stunted trees.
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Proper size – Make sure the tree is suitable for your available space when mature. Pick the right size for your needs.
Choosing a healthy tree from a reputable grower gives you the best chance of success. Be sure to have a suitable planting spot prepared before purchasing the tree.
Planting and Caring for Tri Color Beech
Tri color beech trees are relatively easy to grow when provided the right care. Here are some tips for planting and caring for your new specimen:
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Prepare a planting area in full sun to part shade with amended, well-draining soil. Give the tree plenty of room as it can reach 30 feet across.
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Dig a hole 3 times the width of the root ball and backfill with a mix of native soil and compost. Plant so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
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Water thoroughly at planting and as needed the first year. After establishment, water during drought. Aim for an inch of water per week.
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Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the tree out to the dripline to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk.
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Stake the tree for the first 1-2 years if exposed to wind. Use wide nylon or rubber ties to avoid bark damage.
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Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. Shape and thin the canopy once the tree is mature if desired.
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Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer with a well-balanced organic or slow-release tree fertilizer.
With proper site selection, planting and care, tri color beech trees can thrive for decades, gracing your landscape with their captivating foliage!
Where to Buy Tri Color Beech Trees Near Me: Summary
Tri color beech is a unique, medium-sized ornamental tree that delivers multi-season interest. When sourcing one for your landscape, look to reputable local nurseries, garden centers, online retailers and regional growers to find high-quality specimens available for sale near you. Select a vigorous tree with excellent branch structure, leaf color and root formation. Give it plenty of space, plant properly and care for it with regular watering, pruning and fertilization. Doing so will allow you to enjoy the beautiful colors and graceful form of tri color beech for years to come.
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There is a big, impressive shade tree with glossy, densely branched leaves that are green, purple, and tricolor. The leaves usually stay on until late fall or winter, when the smooth gray bark shows through. Growth habit can be pyramidal to oval, columnar or weeping. Plant in large open spaces as a specimen.
Plant in well-drained, amended soil. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water once a week the first year. Prune as needed during dormancy. Remove dead branches at any time. Feed at least twice during the growing season with a slow release fertilizer in early spring and again mid-summer. Follow label instructions. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature.
- Sunlight Needs Sun to Part Shade
- Height 20-60
- Width 10-60
Plant with smaller spruce, lilac and Weigela nearby, not under its canopy.
- Container Garden – Late Summer Color: Use these late summer color ideas to get your containers ready for cooler weather.
- If you don’t know what to do with a blueish-green growth on your trees, it’s probably lichen, which is a mix of moss and algae. How to Control Lichen on Trees Horticulturist and Education Director at Petitti Garden Centers, Noelle, talks about lichen in this video. Watch it to learn more about it and how to safely get rid of it from your trees. Lichen is not bad for trees, so keep that in mind. It happens more often on older trees and in shady places. Lichen is easy to get rid of. Just spray Moss Max by Bonide® on your trees and bushes.
Tri-Color Beech Tree! Magnificent! // TheFlowerFanatic
FAQ
How fast does a tri-color beech tree grow?
When it’s first planted, the tree grows very slowly. But as it gets older, it may grow up to one foot per year, getting to be 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide, though it’s usually much smaller.
Are tri-color beech tree problems?
The Tricolor Beech doesn’t suffer from any serious diseases or insects. Borer insects, Japanese Beetles, aphids, and caterpillars may attack distressed trees, though these afflictions rarely cause death. Additionally, Beech bark disease, canker, or powdery mildew may occur.
Can tri color beech take full sun?
This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water.
Where is the best place to plant a beech tree?
Site your new beech hedge or tree in sun or part shade. Purple-leaved forms colour up deepest in full sun while golden leaved forms scorch less if planted in light shade.