The weeping beech tree, scientifically known as Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’, is a graceful and interesting variety of the European beech tree. With its weeping habit and dramatically cascading branches, it makes a unique focal point in any landscape.
An Overview of the Weeping Beech
The weeping beech is a cultivar of the common European beech (Fagus sylvatica). It likely originated as a chance mutation found growing in an English park. The weeping habit is achieved through grafting branches onto an upright trunk. This gives the tree its distinctive growth form
The most recognizable feature of the weeping beech is its pendulous branching habit. The long, slender branches gracefully sweep downwards, sometimes all the way to the ground. This gives the tree a flowing, fountain-like appearance. Unlike the species, the weeping beech is often wider than it is tall. Mature heights are typically 25-50 feet.
The leaves of the weeping beech are glossy green and elliptical in shape with wavy margins. In fall, they transition to lovely coppery-bronze tones. The bark is smooth and silvery-gray, muscle and resembling elephant skin on older trunks. Small greenish flowers appear in spring, but they are insignificant. The tree produces small, triangular edible beechnuts in late summer/fall.
Growing Conditions for Weeping Beech
Though originally from Europe, weeping beech can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4-7 It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade Well-drained, moisture retentive soil is ideal. Avoid planting weeping beech in areas with pollution, salt spray, or compacted soil.
Weeping beech is slow growing, especially when young. For the first few years, staking the trunk will encourage upright growth Without staking, the central leader may not adequately establish Proper pruning when young helps create an attractive structure. Mature weeping beeches may live 150-200 years.
Using Weeping Beech in the Landscape
With its pendulous tresses, the weeping beech makes a stunning focal point in the landscape. It can be used as a specimen plant or incorporated into mixed borders and cottage gardens. The gracefully cascading branches provide unique texture contrast to upright trees and shrubs.
Weeping beech also works well in formal settings like English gardens. When underplanted with lower growing plants, the cascading branches create a canopy effect. The tree provides dappled shade below, allowing lower growing plants to thrive.
For maximum impact, use weeping beech where the gracefully weeping branches can be highlighted. Avoid planting it in dense shrub borders or other tight spots. Give the branches room to sweep down unencumbered. Site it where the graceful form can be viewed from multiple angles.
Cultivating Other Interesting Beech Trees
Beyond the weeping variety, there are many other interesting cultivars of beech worth considering:
- Purple beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’) – Deep purple foliage
- Dawyck beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’) – Fastigiate (columnar) form
- Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’) – Coppery purple foliage
- American beech (Fagus grandifolia) – Native North American species
- Tri-color beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Roseomarginata’) – Leaves edged in pink, white, and green
The different leaf shapes, growth habits, bark textures, and foliage colors provide options for every landscape situation.
Potential Problems with Weeping Beech
Overall, weeping beech is relatively pest and disease free. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
- Beech blight aphid
- Borer insects
- Beech bark disease
- Powdery mildew
- Leaf spot
Avoiding stress and proper care will reduce the likelihood of pest and disease issues. Quickly removing and destroying affected plant parts when spotted can help prevent spreading.
How to Plant and Care for Weeping Beech
Here are some tips for successfully growing weeping beech:
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Select a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Avoid compacted clay soil.
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Stake the central leader when planting to promote vertical growth. Allow enough space for the mature spread of the cascading branches.
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Water regularly for the first few years to establish an extensive root system. Mature trees are quite drought tolerant.
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Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk.
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Prune to shape the branching structure when young. Avoid heavy pruning of mature trees.
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Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
With its graceful form and pendulous branching, the weeping beech tree provides unique beauty and interest to the home landscape. Proper planting and care will allow you to enjoy its elegant cascading branches for years to come.
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How to use Weeping European Beech in the landscape?
The perfect tree for a specimen planting, the Weeping European Beech is a graceful and admirable addition to your landscape in any capacity. It can be planted on either side of a driveway or simply by itself – just be sure to give it plenty of room to grow! Of course, you can always plant this play-inducing tree in the backyard, where kids and adults alike can explore the world underneath the pendulous branching!
Hardiness Zone: 4-7
Fagus Sylvatica ‘Aurea Pendula’ Golden Weeping European Beech Wow! in the Garden! Peculiar Plants
What does a Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’ tree look like?
Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’ (European Beech) is a beautiful, large, deciduous tree forming either a broad crown with spreading main branches and drooping side branches, or more upright with steeply drooping branches. Without staking to establish a vertical trunk, it will grow wide rather than high.
What is a weeping beech?
The weeping beech, Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’, is a cultivar of the deciduous European beech. The original tree was found in the grounds of an English park, and it has been propagated by grafting, then many distributed widely. The weeping beech is characterized by its shape with sweeping, pendulous branches.
What is a weeping Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea pendula’?
Developed in Germany about 1865, the strictly weeping Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Pendula’ is a real beauty. Its flexible branches adapt well to training, or if left to grow naturally, the weeping branches arch and sprawl to create an impressive, purple-black mound. Garden Size: Varies with culture 6-12″/year Weeping Zone 5 Red Companion Tree
What is a European beech tree?
European Beech ‘Pendula’, Common Beech ‘Pendula’, Weeping Beech Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’ (European Beech) is a beautiful, large, deciduous tree forming either a broad crown with spreading main branches and drooping side branches, or more upright with steeply drooping branches.
Does Fagus sylvatica grow well in urban settings?
Difficult to transplant and does not always grow well in urban settings. Reportedly tolerates a wider range of soils than American beech. Fagus sylvatica, commonly called European beech, is a large deciduous tree typically growing to 50-60’ (less frequently to 100’) tall with a dense, upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown.
What is a purple weeping beech?
Purple Weeping Beech Developed in Germany about 1865, the strictly weeping Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Pendula’ is a real beauty. Its flexible branches adapt well to training, or if left to grow naturally, the weeping branches arch and sprawl to create an impressive, purple-black mound.