A deciduous, bushy hedging plant which responds well to trimming. Very popular hedging choice due to the hardiness and colour of its foliage. Native to UK. Characteristics Flower Colour: inconspicuous Foliage Colour: purple, turning to red in autumn. Foliage often hangs on through winter. Approx. Growth Height: higher than 12m (40ft) Flowering Period: spring Tolerance: shade tolerant, pollution tollerant Growing Habit: spreading Hardiness: fully hardy Exposure: sheltered, exposed Rate of Growth: medium-fast Final Size if Untrimmed: large tree Wildlife: Attracts bees and other insects. Arrives bare-root at a height of 45-60cm (1'6"-2ft) Requirements Light Requirements: full sun, partial shade Soil Requirements: all soil types Moisture: well drained, moist but well drained Planting Planting Distance: 45-60cm (1'6"-2ft) Beech hedging will grow in almost all well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Beech can be planted from November to March, when the hedge is dormant. Ensure that the area where you are going to plant the hedge is clear and weed-free. Caring and Maintenance Should be pruned in winter, just after planting, and for two years after that. On planting, cut back leading shoots and side shoots by one-third, cutting to a well placed bud. Repeat this in the second winter to prevent straggly growth and thicken up the hedge base. Then trim every June after that. Maintain at 90-180cm (3-6ft) or as taller hedges or screens.
