Fagaceae

Fagus sylvatica 'Tortuosa Purpurea' – Fagus sylvatica 'Tortuosa Purpurea'

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Small tree with a broad weeping, densely branched crown and a strikingly contorted growth habit. The trunk and branches are strongly twisted, giving the tree an almost sculptural appearance. The final height is around 4 – 6 m, while the crown spreads broadly to approximately 6 – 8 m. The tree comes into its own best as a specimen, where the winding branch structure is clearly visible.

The leaf is oval, slightly wavy and brownish-red to dark purple in the growing season. In spring the leaf emerges reddish-brown, later the colour deepens and remains decorative until late summer. In autumn the leaves turn to warm brownish-red tones. The foliage is dense, giving the crown a closed character.

The bark is grey and relatively smooth, with more structure at an older age, which further accentuates the contorted shape. Young twigs are thin, often pendulous and clearly twisted, creating a weeping silhouette. The tree flowers inconspicuously in spring with small catkins, followed by modest beechnuts.

Fagus sylvatica ‘Tortuosa Purpurea’ requires a nutritious, well-drained, preferably slightly moisture-retentive soil. Drying out is poorly tolerated, especially in youth. The tree prefers a sunny to lightly shaded position, where the leaf colour comes out best in a lighter spot.

Due to the distinctive growth habit, the reddish-brown leaf colour and the limited final height, this cultivar is very suitable as a specimen in medium-sized gardens, parks and front gardens. The tree works well as an accent plant in sightlines or near terraces, where the contorted branches can be viewed from close up. In combination with green or light-leaved planting, a strong colour contrast is created, making ‘Tortuosa Purpurea’ a real eye-catcher.