Fagus sylvatica Rohan Weeping - Beech

The Fagus sylvatica 'Rohan Weeping' is a rare variety of Common Beech that is distinguished by its compact weeping habit and undulating purple leaves. This small-sized tree reaches only 3m (9 ft 10 in) in height and 2.50m (8 ft 2 in) in spread at maturity. Its very dense marcescent foliage is bright red when it buds. In autumn, it takes on a coppery hue before drying up, remaining attached to the branches until the new leaves appear in spring. This variety is easy to cultivate and will be particularly interesting for small gardens.

The beech, in Latin Fagus sylvatica, is an imposing tree with a spreading habit. Its cylindrical trunk is covered with a smooth bark of light grey colour. This tree can live for several centuries. Native to Central Europe to the Caucasus, it is one of the most common species in European forests. It covers 10% of forests. The Fagus sylvatica is the most popular beech grown along with oak. Its reddish wood is used in cabinet-making and for the production of wooden tools and toys as well as firewood. Very hardy, it can reach a height of 20m (65 ft 7 in) at maturity.

The cultivar 'Rohan Weeping' has a weeping habit. Over time, its branches will form a dense cascade to the ground, thus hiding the trunk behind its curtain of foliage. Its foliage is composed of alternate leaves with undulating edges, giving them the appearance of oak leaves. They appear in spring before those of the common beech. Initially green tinged with reddish purple, they become dark purple in summer and then turn coppery in autumn. They are marcescent, meaning they dry up while remaining on the tree until the following spring, when the new leaves emerge. The flowers appear almost at the same time as the leaves. From April to May, barely visible cream-coloured monoecious flowers appear. The male flowers are grouped in pendulous catkins. The female flowers are grouped in 2 to 4 at the end of the branches. Mature specimens produce fruits called shiny brown prickly beech nuts. These fruits are edible in small quantities. They were formerly used by mountain dwellers to make flour.

The Fagus sylvatica 'Rohan Weeping' is a very hardy tree. It likes partial shade and non-scorching sunlight, and prefers cool and temperate climates. The soil should be moist and well-drained, and always have a constant level of humidity as it does not tolerate drought. Planted as a solitary tree, it will have an elegant and romantic presence. It can also be integrated into a bed of shrubs with lighter foliage, which it will overshadow without suffocating. Thanks to its small size, it is suitable for small gardens. It tolerates pruning well, which may be necessary if you want to keep the trunk visible.