Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ (Copper Beech)

Elliptic (what a lovely word) leaves that emerge in spring, deep purple in colour and changing eventually to russet in autumn. Can be trained as a Niwaki - adventurous and rather splendid. Smoke on the water, and fire in the sky.

Likes moist but well-drained soil - pretty much anywhere. Grow in sun or partial shade.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.