Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla 'Aspleniifolia' 12Lltr pot

Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla 'Aspleniifolia' (12L Pot)

Also known as the fern-leaved beech, this elegant variety is grown chiefly for its remarkably delicate, deeply cut foliage — narrow, ferny leaves divided into pointed lobes that give the whole canopy a much lighter, airier texture than the common beech, despite retaining its same stately, spreading character. The leaves emerge a fresh bright green in spring, deepening to dark green through summer, before turning warm golden-brown as autumn takes hold. This variety holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

The smooth, silvery-grey bark provides a striking contrast to the dark foliage and adds real interest once the leaves have fallen. Inconspicuous flower catkins in spring are followed by typical bristly beech nuts in autumn, much loved by squirrels and birds.

Tolerant of a wide range of soils including chalk, clay, loam and sand, it thrives in full sun or partial shade, ideally in a sheltered spot away from coastal exposure. It has a pyramidal habit while young, gradually developing a broad, open crown with age — given time it will grow tall, eventually exceeding 12m, with a spread that can be equally wide, so it's best suited to larger gardens or parkland settings where its graceful, shaggy silhouette has room to be fully appreciated.

Supplied as a well-established plant in a 12-litre pot, ready to plant out and establish quickly.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.